Rafael Gonzalez was 25 when he was shot and killed on March 23, 2006, in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles. The Los Angeles County coroner’s records list the cause of death as a fatal gunshot wound. The shooting was described in investigative reports as a targeted attack in a neighborhood long affected by gang activity, and early leads pointed investigators toward a possible gang-related motive.

Police identified several persons of interest and made arrests as the inquiry unfolded. Prosecutors relied on witness accounts and forensic links to the scene during the court process, while the defense contested the sufficiency of that evidence. Gonzalez’s death drew community attention to gang violence and its toll on young residents.

If anyone knew Rafael, was in Boyle Heights on March 23, 2006, or has information about this shooting, please share what can help investigators or the victim’s family.