Victor Manuel Cortez Jr., 21, was fatally shot on August 17, 2019, in Montecito Heights, Los Angeles. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner‑Coroner records list the cause as a gunshot wound. The shooting happened about 1:20 a.m. near E. Avenue 43 and Griffin Avenue as Victor and two friends were leaving a liquor store; the two companions, aged 18 and 19, were wounded but survived.

According to the LAPD, a vehicle approached, a Hispanic male got out accompanied by a Hispanic female, an argument broke out and the suspect opened fire. Investigators initially treated the incident as possibly drive‑by and potentially gang‑related. No arrests were reported at the time and the investigation remained active.

Anyone who was in the area that night or has information about the vehicle or the people involved is asked to contact the LAPD.