Angel Aurelio Soto was 17 when he was shot and killed on July 16, 2016, in the 18000 block of Alburtis Avenue in Artesia during a party of about 30 people. Four uninvited individuals allegedly crashed the event and a fight broke out; an intruder fired four shots and Soto was struck in the chest and pronounced dead at the scene. Two brothers who lived at the home were also wounded but survived.

Investigators arrested 20-year-old Robert Rolando Garcia of Long Beach and charged him with murder and two counts of attempted murder. Prosecutors say an argument over balloons filled with nitrous oxide escalated into a physical fight during which Garcia pulled a gun and began shooting; Garcia pleaded not guilty after his October 20, 2016, arrest and was held in lieu of $6 million bail with a December 7, 2016, hearing scheduled.

Soto’s family said he had returned to Los Angeles to visit friends and his baby daughter and described him as having faced many challenges, including losing vision in one eye and caring for ill family members, while being known for his sense of humor. If anyone at the party or who knew Angel has information that could help the family or the case, please come forward.