Raneyro Gabriel Ramirez, a 15-year-old Latino male, was shot and killed in Pico-Union, Los Angeles, on April 23, 2003. The coroner’s records list the death as a shooting; despite efforts to save him, Raneyro succumbed to his injuries. The incident happened on a Wednesday in a neighborhood described as having high crime rates and gang activity.

The LAPD opened an investigation but struggled to identify suspects, in part because witnesses were reportedly unwilling to come forward out of fear of retaliation. Community activists and local organizations have repeatedly pressed for the case to be reopened and for more resources to address both Raneyro’s homicide and the broader problems of poverty, limited educational opportunities, and gang influence in Pico-Union.

The case remains unsolved and his family has continued to seek closure, holding vigils and community events to keep his memory alive. If anyone has information about what happened to Raneyro, please come forward to assist the investigation.