Adrian Pantoja, an 18-year-old Vallejo resident, was shot multiple times late the night of June 16, 2013, while rolling up a jump house after his niece’s third birthday party in North Vallejo. The shooting occurred about 11:30 p.m. in the driveway of a home on the 100 block of Sawyer Street; family members rushed him to the hospital and he was pronounced dead shortly after midnight. A 2-year-old pit bull was also injured and taken to a local veterinarian.

Family described Adrian as shy but funny once he opened up, a hardworking third of four children who was helping his father support the household and planning to return to Vallejo Adult School for a GED. Police said they believe two suspects were involved but released no descriptions and had made no arrests in initial reports. The community held a candlelight vigil and the family sought donations to help cover funeral costs.

This killing came amid several violent incidents in Vallejo that month, including a double homicide and two fatal officer-involved shootings, which the family cited when urging collective action to make the city safer. If anyone has information about what happened on Sawyer Street that night, please contact the Vallejo Police Department.