Daron Hale Pudgee, a 17-year-old Black male, was found dead from a gunshot wound to the chest in an alley in the 9600 block of Kalmia Street in Los Angeles County. His body was discovered Tuesday, July 28, 2026, and the Los Angeles County coroner ruled the manner of death homicide. Homicide detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department responded shortly before noon that day.

Sheriff’s officials said investigators had no description of a possible suspect in the immediate aftermath and urged anyone with information to come forward. No arrests or suspects have been publicly announced and many details remain limited as the investigation continues.

If anyone witnessed activity in the South Gate area near Kalmia Street on July 28, 2026, or has information that could help investigators, please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau.