Roberto De La Cruz Jr., a 33-year-old Latino, was shot and killed on December 5, 2017, in Panorama City, Los Angeles. Patrol officers from the LAPD’s Mission Division responded to reports of shots fired around 12:35 p.m. near the Sepulveda Recreation Center in the 8800 block of Kester Avenue. De La Cruz was found in a grassy area with multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:55 p.m.; the coroner listed the cause of death as multiple gunshot wounds.

Several witnesses reported hearing six shots and seeing three individuals described as Latinos wearing dark clothing fleeing the scene. Detectives have been seeking additional witnesses and have asked anyone with information to contact Detective Steve Castro or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers. The killing has had a significant impact on the community and family; the case remains unsolved.

If anyone was in the area that afternoon or has information that could identify the three people seen fleeing, please come forward.