Young Child is Killed in Drive-by Shooting

***UPDATE***

A charitable fund has been established to assist the Lopez family.  The fund, known as the Roberto Lopez, Jr. Memorial Fund (Acct.# 8046493014), is being managed by Wells Fargo Bank. Those wishing to make donations may go to any Wells Fargo Bank and submit a check, money order or cash.  Checks should be made payable to the Roberto Lopez Jr. Memorial Fund. Those from out of state may make donations using the PayPal system at: http//echoparkchamber.com/donate-roberto-lopez-family.php
Donors who are Wells Fargo customers may also transfer funds directly. Questions may be directed to the office of Los Angeles City Councilman Ed Reyes at 213-485-0763.

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is requesting the public’s help in identifying the suspects responsible for the shooting death of an innocent 4-year-old child.

On Jan. 13, 2009, at around 4:25 p.m., Rampart Division patrol officers responded to an assault with a deadly weapon, shooting call in the 1200 block of West Court Street. Upon arrival, the officers found Roberto Lopez Jr. lying on the sidewalk suffering from a gunshot wound to his torso.

The Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics transported the child to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Preliminary information revealed that the occupants of a red compact vehicle, possibly a Toyota Scion were involved in a confrontation with several pedestrians at the crest of the hill, several hundred feet north of Court Street on Bixel Street. It is believed that the pedestrians involved in the confrontation began shooting at the red vehicle as it sped away southbound Bixel Street and then westbound on Court Street. Lopez was standing on the sidewalk on Court Street and was struck by a bullet likely intended for the occupants of the red car. The two occupants in the vehicle and suspects are all described as male Hispanics with shaved heads.

The motive for this shooting is believed to be gang related.

Anyone who may have witnessed this incident, or may have information regarding it, is asked to contact Rampart Homicide Detectives, M. Arteaga or C. Linscomb at 213-484-3650. After hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 or by texting CRIMES (274637) and beginning the message with the letters LAPD. Tipsters may also submit information on the LAPD website www.lapdonline.org. All tips are anonymous.