Joseph Carlos Barela, a 33-year-old Latino man who was homeless, was shot and killed on July 4, 2016, in South Gate, California. He was riding a bicycle along a dirt path beside the Los Angeles River, west of the 710 Freeway and north of Firestone Boulevard, when an armed man approached and opened fire at about 6:26 p.m. Barela was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:30 p.m. from gunshot wounds.

The gunman fled on foot, heading south along the river path. Investigators believe the shooting was not random and that the attacker knew Barela. The suspect was described as a Latino adult wearing dark clothing. No arrests have been made and the case remains unsolved; authorities have asked anyone with information to come forward.

If anyone knew Joseph, saw him in that area on July 4, 2016, or has information about the man described, please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.