On July 27, 2023, 46-year-old Jose Quezada of Carson, California, was fatally shot around 10 p.m. after volunteering as a cook at a "Summer Night Lights" event at the Wilmington Recreation Center in the 300 block of North Neptune Avenue. The program aims to promote anti-gang violence and provide safe havens for families.
As Quezada was leaving the event, he was approached by two suspects who fired multiple rounds, resulting in his death at the scene. Quezada was known as a dedicated community member, husband, and father of three, with no gang affiliations or criminal history.
The Los Angeles Police Department's investigation led to the identification and arrest of two suspects. On December 6, 2023, 28-year-old Sergio Esteban of San Pedro was arrested and booked on suspicion of murder, with bail set at $2 million. Subsequently, 27-year-old Estevan Hernandez, also of San Pedro, was located in Mexico and arrested by Mexican authorities on January 31, 2024. He was extradited to Los Angeles and booked on suspicion of murder, with bail set at $3 million.
Both suspects are documented gang members, and the shooting is believed to be gang-motivated. However, Quezada had no gang ties, and it remains unclear why he was targeted. The arrests have brought some solace to Quezada's family and the Wilmington community, who continue to mourn the loss of a man remembered as a pillar of the community and a mentor to many young people.
