On January 22, 2016, five-year-old Austin Ramos Jr., a Hispanic child, was riding in the back seat of his father’s car in Beloit, Wisconsin, when gunfire broke out. A bullet struck the boy, and he was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Authorities described the shooting as gang-related and identified Austin Ramos Sr. as the likely intended target.

Police named four suspects alleged to be members of the La Raza street gang: Isaac William Torres, Eric Salazar-Mota, Sergio Ortiz-Raygoza, and Hugo Martinez. Arrests were reported in multiple states, including McHenry County, Illinois, and Storm Lake, Iowa, as the investigation involved local, state, and federal agencies.

The child’s death prompted a multi-state manhunt and criminal proceedings against the four men named in connection with the shooting. If anyone knew Austin, his family, or has information about the case, please come forward to assist ongoing efforts.