Simon Jorge Prieto, 27, was shot and killed outside Sam’s Market at Paradise Road and Waco Avenue in Lamont, California, on July 6, 2018. He and his friend Carlos Gomez, 21, had gone to the store to prepare for a gathering when a black SUV pulled up and gunfire erupted; Gomez was shot first and Prieto was struck while trying to flee. Both men died at the scene.

Prieto is remembered as a husband and father of four. His wife, Diorica Prieto, and his mother, Theresa Prieto, have repeatedly urged anyone with information to come forward. Investigators describe the suspects only as two young men in the SUV. The Kern County Sheriff’s Office has not announced any arrests and says it continues to welcome anonymous tips through the Secret Witness hotline.

Annual vigils are held at the shooting site on July 6 to honor Prieto and Gomez. If anyone witnessed the shooting or has information that could identify the occupants of the black SUV, please contact the Kern County Sheriff’s Office or Secret Witness.