Elijah Rafael Bañuelos Jr. was a two-year-old boy from Coachella, California, who was killed in a drive-by shooting on January 25, 2012. He was standing in an open garage in the Rancho Mariposa neighborhood with his father and another man when gunfire erupted; the two adults survived their injuries, but Elijah was struck in the head and died.

Local law enforcement opened an investigation that has faced difficulties, including challenges obtaining reliable eyewitness testimony and the case’s apparent connection to gang-related violence. The community responded with vigils and memorials, and local officials discussed measures to address gang activity and neighborhood safety.

No arrests have been announced and the investigation remains open. If anyone in Rancho Mariposa that night or anyone with information about gang activity in the area can help, please come forward.