Juan Abel Escalante was a 27-year-old Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy who was killed on August 2, 2008, in front of his parents’ home in Cypress Park, Los Angeles. He was preparing to leave for his assignment at Men's Central Jail around 5:40 a.m. when two gang members confronted him. Witnesses said Escalante drew his weapon and identified himself as a deputy before the suspects opened fire; he was shot multiple times, including in the back of the head as he reached into his car to adjust a child’s car seat.

Investigators linked the killing to members of the Avenues gang, who apparently believed they were targeting a rival gang member; the motive was reported to be related to Escalante’s job guarding inmates, including Mexican Mafia members. A joint LAPD and Sheriff’s Department investigation led to arrests. Carlos Velasquez pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, admitted a gang special circumstance and said he fired the fatal shots; he was sentenced to life without parole.

Escalante had served in the Army Reserve and worked for the Sheriff’s Department for 2.5 years. More than 3,000 people attended his funeral service. Does anyone have additional details about the shooting or the men charged in the case?