On August 18, 2023, at approximately 12:46 a.m., 23-year-old Miguel Angel Prado was fatally shot while seated in his SUV outside his apartment in the 100 block of East Caldwell Street, Compton, California.
Prado had just returned home from work with his girlfriend and was conversing in the parked vehicle when a light-colored sedan approached. An unidentified male exited the sedan, walked to the driver's side of Prado's SUV, and peered inside.
Sensing danger, Prado attempted to drive away but was shot multiple times in the upper torso, causing his vehicle to collide with a parked car. The assailant fled the scene in the sedan, heading west on Caldwell Street and then south on Willowbrook Avenue.
Authorities believe Prado was an innocent victim in a gang-related incident, with no known affiliations to any gangs. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the suspect remains unidentified. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department continues to investigate and has released a composite sketch of the suspect, described as a Black male, along with images of the suspect's vehicle captured from security footage.
In the wake of this tragedy, community leaders, including Compton Mayor Emma Sharif, have expressed condolences and emphasized the need for public assistance in solving the case. Prado, who had recently obtained his security guard license and was employed at a facility caring for U.S. veterans, is remembered by family and friends for his positive impact on the community.
Authorities urge anyone with information regarding this incident to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.
