Eleazar Lico, a 20-year-old Latino, tragically lost his life on June 1, 2015, in Los Angeles, California. The incident occurred in the 3000 block of West Leeward Avenue in Koreatown. According to the Los Angeles County coroner's records, Eleazar was shot and killed during a violent altercation. 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.
Following the initial assault, Eleazar returned to the scene with his older brother, Aurelio Lico, aged 24, to confront the assailant. The situation escalated when the assailant, identified as Roberto Menjivar, called for assistance, leading to the involvement of a 16-year-old armed with a gun.
During the ensuing fight, the Lico brothers attempted to flee in different directions. Aurelio was shot in the head and died at the scene, while Eleazar was shot and struck with a tire iron. Eleazar was transported to Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead later that afternoon. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the FBI Fugitive Task Force arrested Menjivar and the 16-year-old, Jonathan Orozco, who were both charged with two counts of murder. Orozco, despite being a minor, was charged as an adult. The case was scheduled for arraignment on June 18, 2015, at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center.
Investigators have not found any evidence suggesting that the Lico brothers were involved in gang activities, although the suspects were believed to be associated with the Mara Salvatrucha gang. The investigation into the motive behind the altercation and the involvement of other potential assailants continued, with the LAPD urging anyone with information to come forward. The tragic deaths of Eleazar and Aurelio Lico highlight the devastating impact of violence and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to bring justice to the victims and their families.
