Eli Thomas was 7 when he was fatally shot on October 17, 2024, around 3:40 p.m. while visiting a friend’s home on the 44000 block of Dahlia Street in Lancaster, California. Deputies and firefighters responded and he was pronounced dead at the scene; the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner ruled the cause of death a gunshot wound to the head.

Investigators recovered a firearm and are interviewing people about what happened, but the manner of death—accidental or intentional—has not been determined and no arrests or suspects have been publicly identified. The sheriff’s department initially said foul play was not suspected, though the investigation remains active.

If anyone has information that could help explain the circumstances of Eli’s death, contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500 or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.