Ricardo Ramirez, a 17-year-old Latino male, was tragically killed in a shooting in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, on November 8, 2019. The incident occurred just before midnight at the intersection of Wabash and Evergreen avenues, mere blocks from his home. Los Angeles Police Department officers, responding to gunshots heard during a traffic stop, found Ricardo Ramirez suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:05 a.m.
Investigators believe the shooting was gang-related; however, it remains unclear if Ricardo Ramirez was involved in any gang activity. His girlfriend, Sarah Vidovic, stated that he was an innocent victim, possibly caught in the crossfire or mistaken for someone else. Ricardo Ramirez had recently started working as a dishwasher at a restaurant and aspired to become a chef.
Two suspects were arrested in connection with the shooting. Joshua Gomez, a 23-year-old male, and a 16-year-old male juvenile, whose name was withheld due to his age, were taken into custody in Rowland Heights. Gomez was arrested on suspicion of murder and held in lieu of $1 million bail. Both suspects were expected to face murder charges.
In the wake of Ricardo Ramirez's death, a memorial with candles and flowers was established at the site of the shooting. A GoFundMe campaign was also created to assist his family with funeral expenses, highlighting the community's support and the impact of this tragic loss.
