Man Fatally Shot near Recreation Center NR17364rh

Sylmar: The Los Angeles Police Department Valley Bureau Homicide Detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing information that would lead to the arrest of the suspect responsible for the murder of 34-year-old Roberto De La Cruz, a resident of Sylmar.

On December 5, 2017, around 12:35 p.m., Mission patrol officers received a radio call of an “Ambulance Shots Fired,” at Kester Avenue and Parthenia Street, near a recreation center. Once the officers arrived they saw Mr. De La Cruz laying in the middle of the grass area. He was suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the upper torso.

Los Angeles City Fire Department Paramedics responded to the location and pronounced Mr. De La Cruz dead at scene.

OVB Homicide Detectives were notified and responded to the scene. Upon arrival, Homicide Detectives assumed investigative responsibility. There were no witnesses that observed the actual shooting. Witnesses heard six shots and at least one witness observed 3 male, Hispanics wearing dark clothing running away from the park in a westerly direction.

Anyone with additional information is urged to call Detective Steve Castro, Los Angeles Police Department, Valley Bureau Homicide, at (818) 374-1934. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters can also visit www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers.