Alexis Carbajal, Mingzhi Zhu Identified As 2 Killed In Shooting Spree From Downtown LA To Fullerton
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — Two people who were killed in a shooting spree stretching from downtown Los Angeles to Fullerton were identified Tuesday by the Los Angeles Coroner's Office.
Police believe the driver of a white Jeep Cherokee was the gunman in three separate drive-by shootings early Tuesday in Exposition Park and downtown Los Angeles.
Alexis Carbajal, 25, was sitting in his car in the drive-thru of a Starbucks when he was shot and killed. According to authorities, Carbajal was shot several times and declared dead at the scene. His wife was with him in the car, but she was not hurt.
"He was a great kid, didn't have no issues, no problems," Albert Alaya, Carbajal's uncle, said. "Just work, work, work."
Family members described him as a gently soul who always put others before himself.
"You know, I didn't know what to do," Alaya said.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family cover funeral expenses.
Minutes later, 41-year-old Mingzhi Zhu of South Pasadena was shot and killed while driving a Cadillac Escallade at Figueroa and 7th streets.
"He's a hardworking, intelligent, kind, gentle and deeply loving husband, deeply loving father and very dedicated husband," Yuki Cutcheon, president of the South Pasadena Chinese American Club, said on behalf of the family. "The family is lost without him."
Cutcheon said the family moved from China in 2016.
He was driving for Uber and was on his way to pick up a passenger, authorities said.
"The senseless acts of violence that took the lives of two innocent people, including Mr. Mingzhi Zhu who was on his way to pick up a rider, is heartbreaking. Our thoughts are with those who lost their lives and their families," Uber said in a statement.
Zhu was married with two young children. A GoFundMe page has been set up to support his family and cover funeral costs.
The suspect, who has not been identified, led police in a pursuit into Orange County.
A spike strip eventually disabled the vehicle on the westbound side of the 91 Freeway. The suspect was ultimately killed in a shootout with police officers.