Montebello High School student killed in Boyle Heights shooting
LOS ANGELES - Authorities said two people were wanted in connection to the deadly shooting of a 15-year-old boy in Boyle Heights at Pecan Park, located just off the 101 Freeway.
Officers with the Los Angeles Police Department responded to calls of shots fired at the park located at First and Pecan Street around 5:30 p.m. Sunday. Once at the scene, they discovered the teen boy suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. He was identified by family members as Matthew Velez, who was a student at Montebello High School.
His uncle told FOX 11 off-camera that Velez was under his dad's care and alleged his nephew had recently joined a gang.
Matthew Velez
LAPD investigators said two male suspects drove away from the scene. During the initial stages of the investigation, the California Highway Patrol issued an hours-long SigAlert that shut down the First Street on-ramp to the southbound 101 Freeway.
Investigators believe the shooting may be gang-related.
SUGGESTED:
- Boyle Heights faces safety concerns as copper-wire theft soars
- 6th Street Bridge street takeover ends with 30 vehicles impounded
Family members identified Matthew Velez as the teen who was gunned down at Pecan Park in Boyle Heights on Sunday, Jan. 28.
A description of the suspects and the suspects’ vehicle was not available.
Those with information are asked to contact the LAPD.