17-Year-Old Teenager Killed on the Streets NR09559rh

Los Angeles: In the late-night hours of November 22, 2009, two gunman shot and killed 17-year-old Geissler Michael Alfaro in the Harbor Area of Los Angeles.

At around 11:30 p.m., a patrol unit was dispatched to a radio call in the 1800 block of Cabrillo Avenue.  Alfaro and two suspects were involved in an argument when one of the suspects fired a shotgun round striking Alfaro.  While wounded, Alfaro managed to run away from the suspects who were chasing after him.  One of the suspects, later identified as 21-year-old Albert Tomas Ortega fired a second round striking Alfaro.  The suspects then ran away from the location and left Alfaro on the ground suffering from several shotgun wounds.  Alfaro was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries.  

The two suspects were arrested a short time later in a nearby apartment.  The shotgun and other evidence were also recovered nearby in the area.   Detectives have not determined what prompted the argument and shooting.  

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Los Angeles Police Department Harbor Homicide Detectives I. Rodriguez and A. Batres at 310-726-7881.  During off-hours, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text “Crimes” with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web tips. When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with “LAPD.”  Tipsters may remain anonymous.