Hector Carrillo-Lopez, aged 39, was tragically killed on June 20, 2021, during a house party in Richmond, California. The incident occurred on Father's Day, when gunmen opened fire at a gathering in the 2100 block of Dunn Avenue. The party, initially intended for a small group, grew significantly larger due to social media promotions. The shooting resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including Carrillo-Lopez, and injuries to five others.
Authorities believe Carrillo-Lopez may have been from an indigenous group in the mountains of Guatemala.
The investigation into the shooting revealed that at least two people fired weapons during the incident. Despite initial challenges in identifying suspects, significant progress was made when investigators found video footage of a pair of suspects arriving in an older-model Nissan Altima. This led to the arrest of Enrique Ramirez-Calmo and an 18-year-old suspect, who was not named due to his status as a juvenile at the time of the shooting. Both suspects were charged with three counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder, with special allegations for multiple murders and the personal and intentional discharge of a firearm.
The trial for Ramirez-Calmo began in January 2024, where the prosecution described the shooting as a "gangland massacre." The incident was linked to a gang known as the South Side Locos 502 Sureños, predominantly composed of Guatemalan-Americans. The gang had been involved in a feud with a rival Norteño subset since at least 2018. The prosecution detailed how the festive occasion was abruptly disrupted by gunfire, with one victim capturing the moment he was shot on his phone. The entire shooting, which lasted just four minutes, was also captured on home surveillance.
The tragic event not only highlighted the dangers of gang violence but also underscored the impact of social media in escalating what was meant to be a small, private gathering into a large, chaotic event. The ongoing trial and investigations continue to seek justice for the victims and their families, shedding light on the broader issues of gang-related violence in the community.
