On April 11, 1993, 2-year-old Ryan Brown was killed by gunfire in Encino Park, Los Angeles, on Easter Sunday. Court records say the shooting occurred during a gun battle that was initiated by Larry Dean Shaw; prosecutors argued Shaw’s decision to engage in that shootout directly led to the toddler’s death.

By November 23, 1993, a jury was deliberating in the murder trial connected to Ryan’s death. The case drew attention for what it showed about the deadly consequences of reckless gun use in public spaces and the vulnerability of children who happen to be nearby.

Ryan’s family and the local community were left grieving after this needless loss. If anyone has information about Ryan’s death or remembers the events in Encino Park that day, please come forward.