Jason Marlin Encinas was 19 when he was shot and killed on May 23, 2020, in Palmdale, California. Deputies responded about 2:52 p.m. to what was reported as a traffic collision near 1230 Springline Drive and found Encinas inside a car that had crashed into a tree in the front yard of a residence; investigators determined he had suffered gunshot wounds before losing control of the vehicle and crashing.

A Hispanic male was seen running from the car after the collision, but it has not been established whether that person was a suspect or another victim. The murder weapon has not been recovered, and authorities have not confirmed any gang connection. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau is investigating; no arrests or suspects have been publicly identified and the case remains open.

If anyone has information that could help with the investigation, please contact the Homicide Bureau.