On January 8, 2024, at about 7:10 p.m., 16-year-old Elmer Quintanilla was shot and killed while walking near the 13000 block of Carl Street in Pacoima after playing basketball with younger children. A silver Dodge Charger pulled up, a front-seat passenger exited and opened fire, and two more people left the vehicle and continued shooting. Quintanilla fell to the ground and the initial shooter reportedly stood over him and fired multiple rounds. A 17-year-old friend was shot in the leg and survived.

The LAPD used surveillance footage and executed search warrants at multiple residences, recovering several firearms and other evidence. By late January 2024, four people had been arrested: Giovanny Montesdeoca, 21; Jose Espinoza, 18; and two juveniles identified by last names Gomez and Lopez. All were booked on suspicion of murder and attempted murder and held without bail; one juvenile was expected to be tried as an adult. Family described Quintanilla as a funny kid who loved sports and playing with his nieces and nephews; a memorial was placed at the shooting site.

If anyone has information about what happened that night, contact LAPD Valley Bureau Homicide detectives or submit an anonymous tip to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers.