Julian Jason Villa was 18 and from North Highlands, California when he was killed on March 21, 2021. Known by the stage name Hotboy Juju, he was a Highlands High School graduate and an aspiring rapper. Villa was a passenger in a truck near Watt Avenue and A Street when a drive-by shooting left him with multiple gunshot wounds; he was transported to a nearby hospital and pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Investigators described the shooting as a targeted attack, though the precise motive was not made clear. The community responded with a small memorial of flowers and candles at the scene and a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses; family and activists urged young people to be cautious about social media and the risks it can bring.

A 21-year-old, Ajan Ray Vaughn, was arrested on March 28, 2021 and booked into the Sacramento County Main Jail on homicide charges; legal proceedings were underway. If anyone knew Julian, his movements that day, or has information about the shooting, please come forward.