Suspects in deadly shooting of 16-year-old arrested in Southern California

Four people, including two juveniles, were arrested in connection with a violent and deadly shooting of a teen boy earlier this month that left a second teen injured near a housing project in the San Fernando Valley, authorities announced Wednesday.  

The incident occurred on Jan. 8 around 7:10 p.m. in the 13000 block of Carl Street, just northeast of San Fernando Housing at 10995 Lehigh Avenue in Pacoima.  

The family of the teen killed told KTLA that he and his friend had just finished playing basketball when the shooting occurred.  

According to police, the victims were approached by several suspects in a silver Dodge Charger as they were walking on Carl Street, near Carl Place.  

After a brief conversation with the individuals inside the Charger, authorities say the driver exited the vehicle and opened fire at the teens.  

“The victims attempted to flee when two additional suspects exited the vehicle and started shooting at them as well,” a news release from the Los Angeles Police Department stated.  

When one of the victims, identified by family as Elmer Quintanilla, fell to the ground, police say the driver of the Charger stood over him, firing multiple rounds at him while he was on the ground. The second victim, who was struck in the leg by gunfire, managed to escape.  

The suspects then fled the area.  

Paramedics with the Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene. Quintanilla was rushed to the hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.  

The teen struck in the leg was taken to the hospital by family and is expected to recover.  

Detectives tell KTLA’s Mary Beth McDade that surveillance cameras were critical during the investigation into the fatal shooting. 

“The results of the investigation included searching numerous residences; recovering several firearms and other pertinent evidence; arresting multiple suspects including all who fired upon the victims,” the release noted.  

The suspects, three of whom were arrested on Jan. 26 and another on Jan. 29, are facing charges of murder and attempted murder and are being held without bail. They have been identified as: 

• Giovanny Montesdeoca, arrested in Lancaster on Jan. 26 
• Jose Espinoza, arrested in Oxnard on Jan. 29 
• A juvenile identified only as Gomez, arrested in California City on Jan. 26 
• A juvenile identified only as Lopez, arrested in California City on Jan. 26.  

One of the juveniles, according to police, will be tried as an adult. 

Family members of Quintanilla who attended a news conference about the arrests did not want to speak on camera, but said the teen was a funny kid who loved sports and playing with his nieces and nephews.  

Anyone with information about the shooting is encouraged to contact LAPD Valley Bureau Detectives at 818-374-9550. Anonymous tips can be submitted through L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or online at L.A. Crime Stoppers.