Roberto De La Cruz Jr., a 33-year-old Latino, was tragically shot and killed on December 5, 2017, in Panorama City, Los Angeles. The incident occurred around 12:35 p.m. near the Sepulveda Recreation Center, located in the 8800 block of Kester Avenue. Patrol officers from the LAPD’s Mission Division responded to a call of shots fired and found De La Cruz in a grassy area with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:55 p.m.
The coroner's records confirmed the cause of death as multiple gunshot wounds.
The investigation into De La Cruz's death revealed that several witnesses heard six shots and saw three individuals, described as Latinos wearing dark clothing, fleeing the scene. Despite these leads, the case remains unsolved, and detectives have been seeking additional witnesses to come forward with any information that could help identify the suspects. The LAPD has urged anyone with information to contact Detective Steve Castro or to provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.
The murder of Roberto De La Cruz Jr. has left a significant impact on his community and family. His death is a stark reminder of the ongoing issues of gun violence and the challenges law enforcement faces in solving such cases. The investigation continues, with the hope that new evidence or witness testimonies will eventually lead to the apprehension of those responsible for this tragic loss.
