Aurelio Lico, a 24-year-old Latino, tragically lost his life on June 1, 2015, in Los Angeles, California. The incident occurred in the Koreatown neighborhood, specifically in the 3000 block of West Leeward Avenue. According to the Los Angeles County coroner's records, Aurelio was shot and killed during a violent altercation that also claimed the life of his younger brother, Eleazar Lico, aged 20.
The confrontation began earlier in the day when Eleazar was allegedly attacked by a 39-year-old resident of the apartment complex where the incident took place. Eleazar, after being beaten, left the scene and returned with his older brother, Aurelio, to confront the assailant.
The situation escalated when the brothers confronted the man, identified as Roberto Menjivar. Menjivar called for assistance, and a 16-year-old, later identified as Jonathan Orozco, came to his aid, allegedly armed with a gun. The confrontation quickly turned deadly as the two groups clashed. Aurelio attempted to flee but was shot in the head and pronounced dead at the scene. Eleazar also tried to escape but was shot and struck with a tire iron, succumbing to his injuries later at the hospital.
The investigation led to the arrest of Roberto Menjivar on the night of the shootings, charged with being an accessory to murder. Jonathan Orozco was apprehended the following day by the LAPD-FBI Fugitive Task Force at a residence in Hollywood. Both Menjivar and Orozco, suspected associates of the Mara Salvatrucha gang, were charged with two counts of murder. Orozco, despite being a juvenile, was charged as an adult. The arraignment for both suspects was scheduled for June 18, 2015, at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center.
The case drew significant attention due to the brutal nature of the crime and the involvement of gang members. Investigators continued to seek information from the public to piece together the events leading up to the fatal confrontation. The Los Angeles Police Department's West Bureau Homicide division handled the case, emphasizing the senseless loss of life and the impact on the victims' family and community. Despite the arrests, the investigation remained active as authorities worked to determine if additional individuals were involved in the deadly altercation.
