Jose Ramirez Escalante, a 47-year-old Latino man, was shot and killed on February 12, 2000, in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles. The Los Angeles County coroner ruled his death a result of gunshot wounds. The neighborhood where the shooting occurred is described as one that has struggled with gang violence and crime.

The Los Angeles Police Department opened an extensive investigation, but investigators encountered obstacles, including a lack of witnesses willing to come forward. A suspect identified as George Walter Carreno Jr., then 21, was later arrested; prosecutors characterized the killing as gang-related and Carreno’s defense contested that claim. Reports state Carreno was convicted of second-degree murder and received a lengthy prison term. The community held vigils and memorials for Escalante in the aftermath.

If anyone knew Jose Ramirez Escalante or has information about the case, please share what you know.