Ernesto Ortiz Jr. was 15 when he was fatally shot on May 22, 2000, while playing basketball near his home in East Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles County coroner’s records. The neighborhood where the shooting occurred is described as struggling with gang violence.

The investigation resulted in the arrest and trial of Bryant Barraza and Nick Verdugo. Both were charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and assault with a firearm. Prosecutors presented evidence linking the defendants to gang activity and argued the killing was gang-related; the jury found Barraza and Verdugo guilty and the court upheld several firearm-use and gang enhancement allegations. Trial testimony included claims that the shooting was part of a gang initiation ritual and emotional accounts from witnesses and family members.

Who in the community can add details about Ernesto’s life or what happened that day?