Neighbors frustration was growing after they suspect gangs killed a 16-year-old. John Cadiz Klemack report Dec. 7, 2022.
A teen boy was shot and killed in the Azusa area and another was hospitalized with a gunshot wound, police said.
Alejandro Padilla, 16, and his 14-year-old brother were shot Tuesday afternoon. Their distraught grandmother confirmed their names and shared photos after Alejandro, or “Alex” as they called him, did not survive.
"Alejandro was a great kid. Such a happy, just very vivid kid. With life," neighbor Carla Zamarripa said.
"And for me to find out he passed away it kills me, it shot me in the heart. He has a great mom and she doesn’t deserve this."
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The LA Sheriff’s Department homicide team is investigating the crime, even though it happened within Asuza city limits.
The shooting happened at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday in the 600 block of South Donna Beth Avenue, near Azusa Avenue and Arrow Highway.
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Neighbors say it’s the result of a rise in gang activity. Just two days ago a 19-year-old man was shot and killed just blocks from this same location.
"There’s just been a lot, gang-related shootings going on right now, a lot of shootings, a lot of kids getting hit and unfortunately it’s gang related.”
The Padilla brothers weren’t part of any gang, their grandmother said. Neighbors say the boys would help her sell tamales on Saturdays. Zamarripa said the two were walking home from school when they were approached.
"He got hit up, questioned. And Alex and [his brother] are not affiliated. They’re children, very sporty kids. Very into school. They don’t do anything," Zamarripa said.
Anyone with information regarding this shooting is encouraged to call the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips can be made by calling 800-222-8477.
