On April 15, 2023, at about 3:00 p.m., 33-year-old Ricardo Vivar was shot in the 10000 block of Fern Avenue, near Harry Dotson Park in Stanton, California. Orange County Sheriff’s deputies found Vivar and another man with multiple gunshot wounds; both were taken to a local hospital and Vivar died of his injuries. The other victim, identified as Vivar’s cousin, survived and was reported to be recovering in the hospital.

Vivar, a father of five who had lived in the area for over 30 years, was described by family as joyful and kind. Relatives expressed concern that a local group trying to make a name for themselves may have been involved, though Vivar was not believed to be involved in gang activity. No arrests have been announced and the suspect or suspects remain unidentified as the Orange County Sheriff’s Department continues to investigate.

A visitation and funeral were held in May 2023, and the family has started a GoFundMe to help with funeral costs. Does anyone in the Stanton area have information about activity near Fern Avenue on April 15 that could help investigators?