On August 12, 2023, 16-year-old Alfonso Ramos was fatally shot at the Evergreen Park Recreation Center in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles. The incident occurred shortly after 5 p.m. inside the recreation center located in the 2800 block of East Second Street. Ramos was approached by two individuals, leading to a brief altercation during which one of the suspects drew a weapon and shot him multiple times. The assailants fled the scene immediately after the shooting.
In the days following the incident, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) identified two suspects: 26-year-old Michael Monarrez and a 14-year-old juvenile. While efforts were underway to apprehend them, a second fatal shooting occurred on August 17, 2023. Officers responded to a call in the 500 block of Lorena Street, where they found 45-year-old Fermin Ruelas suffering from multiple gunshot wounds; he was pronounced dead at the scene. Monarrez was arrested shortly thereafter in connection with Ruelas' murder. The juvenile suspect was taken into custody on August 18, 2023, for his involvement in Ramos' killing.
The Los Angeles District Attorney's Office filed two counts of murder against Monarrez, linking him to both homicides. A murder petition was also filed against the 14-year-old suspect for his role in Ramos' death. LAPD Chief Michel Moore indicated that these incidents might be connected to gang rivalries within the Hollenbeck Division, which had experienced an increase in homicides compared to the previous year.
Alfonso Ramos was remembered by his family and community as a loving son, brother, nephew, and cousin. His mother noted that during his short 16 years, he touched many lives with his sense of humor, determination to better himself, and love for his family. A GoFundMe page was established to support his family during this difficult time.
