William Al Romero, 38, was fatally shot near Main and 53rd streets in the South Park neighborhood of Los Angeles on the evening of September 17, 2020. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner recorded the death as a homicide; Romero was shot multiple times and died shortly after the shooting.

The Los Angeles Police Department treated the incident as a targeted attack and canvassed the area for witnesses while reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and residences. Initial leads were scarce, and detectives later identified several persons of interest. One of those named was Juan Manuel Avila Lizarraga, who was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and related offenses; prosecutors said the shooting was gang-related and motivated by a personal vendetta, and witnesses and forensic evidence were presented at trial.

Romero’s family described ongoing grief in the wake of his death, and the case drew attention to gang violence in Los Angeles. If anyone has information about Romero, the shooting, or the location that night, please come forward to assist the investigation.