Juan Carillo Ortiz was 18 when he was shot and killed on November 19, 2016, at the southwest corner of East Cesar E. Chavez Avenue and Carmelita Avenue in East Los Angeles. Ortiz and two other men were standing in the parking lot in front of K’s Jr. Market when an unknown assailant opened fire. Ortiz was struck multiple times and died at a local hospital at 6:35 p.m.; the other two victims, aged 19 and 66, survived gunshot wounds.

Investigators have called the case a real mystery because no witness saw the shooter or could describe a suspect or the direction of fire. People nearby heard the shots and discovered the victims, but provided no identifying details. Authorities have said the shooting may have been gang-related due to the location and circumstances, though no concrete evidence has been released to confirm that theory.

No arrests or suspects have been publicly identified and the Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau has asked the public for tips, offering anonymity through Crime Stoppers. A fundraising account was set up to support Ortiz’s family, who lived near the scene. If anyone has information about that night or recognizes details about the location or victims, please come forward.