Suspects in Child’s Murder Identified, One Arrested

Los Angeles: Members of the FBI/LAPD Task Force have identified two men they believe are responsible for the murder of 3-year-old Kaitlyn Avila, who was shot and killed on September 24, 2006, in Baldwin Village. Kaitlyn’s father, Cesar Avila, was also wounded in the incident. One man is in custody, and police are asking the public’s help in locating the second man.

Detectives arrested 26-year-old Laron Lee Larrimore on Friday afternoon, October 6, 2006, at a motel in the 4500 block of Slauson Avenue. Detectives believe Larrimore, an admitted gang member, drove the gray Chrysler Pacifica, described as the getaway car in the Avila shooting.

"We’re hoping the proposed $50,000 reward will entice someone to tell us where to find Jonathan Durrel Banks, whom we think was the shooter," said LAPD spokesperson Lieutenant Paul Vernon. "Like his accomplice, he is a gang member, and we consider him armed and dangerous." The reward offer was sponsored by City Councilman Herb Wesson, and it is pending approval at an upcoming council session.

Police hope that someone knows the whereabouts of Banks, who is 17 years old. He may be armed with the 9mm handgun used to shoot the two victims. Banks is Black, over 6 feet tall, and he weighs about 200 pounds.

Witnesses described seeing the shooter walk up to the Avilas’ car as Cesar Avila was removing his young daughter from her car seat. The gunman shot both victims without hesitation. "Detectives believe Banks is still in the area and someone knows where to find him," Vernon said. "If he has any sense, he’ll turn himself in."

Anyone with information about Banks or this crime should call Southwest Police Station at 213-485-2417. During non-business hours, please call the 24-hour hotline at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855). All callers may remain anonymous.