Valdemar Esquivel Jr, a 17-year-old Latino male, was shot and killed on June 18, 2019, around 5 p.m. on Cedar Lake Drive in the Pleasant Grove area of Dallas. He was found dead inside a Ford F-150 in front of several homes after being out with friends; his brother later confirmed his identity to authorities. Reports say he was sitting in his truck with his best friend at his side when the shooting occurred and that friends remained at the scene while investigators processed it.

The slaying was recorded as the city’s 98th murder that year. Police did not release a suspect description or identify any suspects at the time, and no arrests had been announced. Latino civil rights leaders from the League of United Latin American Citizens publicly raised concerns about violence in the community and criticized Dallas Police Chief U. Reneé Hall’s connection with the Latino community; the department issued a statement about efforts to engage with every community.

Anyone who knew Valdemar, was in the Pleasant Grove area that evening, or has information is asked to come forward.