Edgar Buitmea, 24, was shot and killed in the early hours of July 20, 2026, in the Lot 1 North parking area near the Santa Monica Pier at 1550 Pacific Coast Highway. Officers found Buitmea about 12:30 a.m. suffering from multiple gunshot wounds; despite life-saving efforts he was pronounced dead at the scene. The Los Angeles County medical examiner ruled the death a homicide.

Police say the shooting followed a physical fight between two groups after a verbal argument. Detectives quickly identified a primary suspect, a 16-year-old male visiting from Las Vegas, who is alleged to have fired a handgun multiple times and later surrendered to Santa Monica detectives on the evening of July 21. He is being held at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall; prosecutors are expected to consider charging options in juvenile court with the possibility of a later transfer to adult court.

Family members remember Buitmea as kind-hearted; a GoFundMe describes his big smile, generosity and close ties to his parents, sister and niece. Does anyone who was near the pier that night or knew Edgar have information that could help investigators?