On May 13, 2024, 14-year-old Benny Gutierrez was fatally shot at El Dorado Park in Lancaster, California. Preliminary reports suggest that Benny, accompanied by friends, was painting over gang-related graffiti when multiple shots were fired from a vehicle in the park's parking lot. Benny was struck by a single bullet and pronounced dead at the scene.
Tragically, Benny's family learned of his death through social media approximately six hours after the incident.
His mother, Rosalie Gutierrez, expressed profound grief, describing Benny as a funny, outgoing, and loving individual who cherished his sisters. Standing at 5 feet 10 inches and weighing 200 pounds, Benny was known as a budding football player with a tender heart, often referred to as a "teddy bear" by his family.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, friends and family gathered at the park to honor Benny's memory, emphasizing his non-affiliation with gangs and his commitment to family. A GoFundMe campaign was established to assist the family with funeral expenses and to support them during this difficult time.
As of now, no arrests have been made, and the suspect or suspects involved remain unidentified. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department continues to investigate the case, urging anyone with information to come forward to aid in the pursuit of justice for Benny and his grieving family.
