Jesus Adrian Acosta Rea, 17, was fatally shot outside a pizza restaurant in Lakewood, California, on November 27, 2024. Deputies responded to reports of gunfire about 5:50 p.m. in the 20000 block of Pioneer Boulevard and found Acosta Rea with a gunshot wound; he was pronounced dead at the scene after emergency care. Witnesses reported an assailant approached from behind, fired, and then fled. No description of the suspect was released and no arrests have been announced.

A vigil held the next evening near the same restaurant was disrupted when a man and a woman at the memorial were shot; their injuries were described as non life-threatening and that shooter also fled. Authorities are investigating whether that shooting is connected to Acosta Rea’s death. The community has organized support for the family, including a GoFundMe started by his sister, Briana Acosta Rea, who described him as an amazing son, brother, friend, cousin, and grandson.

Anyone with information about the November 27 shooting or the subsequent violence is asked to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.