Volunteer shot and killed at anti-gang violence event in Wilmington; suspects seen running from scene on foot
Authorities have identified the man shot and killed outside an anti-gang violence event in Wilmington late Thursday evening.
Jose Quezada, a 46-year-old father of three from Carson, died at the scene, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner.
An officer in the area, heard several shots fired, near Bay View Avenue and D Street, at around 10:10 p.m. outside of the "Summer Night Lights" youth development event at the Wilmington Recreation Center, which was being held to address violence in communities impacted by gangs.
Quezada was a volunteering as a cook at the event and was found dead on the sidewalk after he was struck by gunfire. Authorities said he was gunned down and shot as he was leaving the event after cooking for attendees.
"Whoever did this to my husband, you just really put a whole in our heart," said Quezada's wife, Sandy. "Having to explain it to my 10-year-old that his dad is no longer here, it's gonna be the hardest thing for us to do."
Family members say that Quezada, who was known throughout the community as "Coach," had volunteered at the recreation center for more than 20 years, doing any sort of odd job necessary to give back to the children.
"He just enjoyed it," Sandy said. "That was part of him; he was such a humble, loving, giving person. ... He never fought with anyone. Everyone in the community loved him, so for this to have happened to him — it's just heartbreaking and you really destroyed our family," Sandy said.
Los Angeles Police Department officials said two men wearing dark clothing were seen running from the area after the shooting.
Police are still looking for the suspects and it is unknown if the shooting was gang-related.
"If you have a heart, you'll turn yourself in because what you did was wrong," the Quezada family said in a message to the shooters. "You took a great person away from us."
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also offered a statement upon learning of the shooting.
"Last night, a dedicated Wilmington community member and someone who has volunteered with Summer Night Lights to uplift his community was killed in a horrific act of violence," the statement said. "This community leader lost his life to the very type of violence he was working so hard to prevent. I join his loved ones in grieving his loss. This incident is a tragic reminder that we must fight even harder to ensure that our communities have the tools that they need to stop this senseless violence."
Anyone with information on the shooting and suspects involved is urged to contact LAPD investigators at (877) 527-3247.
