Reward Offered in Drive-By Killing of Girl

BOYLE HEIGHTS —  A $25,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of five suspects in a drive-by shooting that left a 10-year-old girl and 19-year-old man dead.

Authorities said they are searching for Gustavo Gonzalez, 20; Arthur Basaldua, 21; Jose Johnny Prado, 28; Giovanni Vasquez, 21; and Alberto Chagollan, 20, said homicide Det. Scott Smith of LAPD’s Hollenbeck Division. Photos of the suspects are available at the homicide bureau at 1936 E. 1st St.

Stephanie Raygoza and Raymond Hernandez were shot on Oct. 8 in the 100 block of South Clarence Street, police said. Gunmen opened fire from a speeding minivan, apparently targeting Hernandez, who was washing a car, and the stray gunfire hit the girl, who was riding a scooter four houses away.

Hernandez died at the scene. Stephanie was later pronounced dead at a hospital.

Police later arrested a 20-year-old woman, who was believed to be the minivan driver, but the shooter or shooters remain at large.

The community has demanded speed bumps in hopes of curbing further drive-by shootings. The city is also working on a better street-lighting system, said Michele Ramos, press deputy for Councilman Nick Pacheco, who represents the area.