Man suspected of fatally shooting his 13-year-old sister turns himself in to authorities

The suspect in the fatal shooting of his 13-year-old sister at their home in Lancaster has turned himself in to authorities, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said late Wednesday.

Sheriff’s detectives initially considered Eddie Alvirez, 18, to be a person of interest in the shooting, but authorities now say he is the suspect in the girl’s death.

Deputies were called to a home in the 1700 block of West Avenue J15 about 5:45 p.m. Tuesday in response to a report of a girl being shot. Authorities say Alvirez shot his sister inside the bedroom he shared with her and another sibling and then fled with the gun.

“He was in possession of a handgun in the bedroom, and at one point, he pointed a handgun at one of his sisters, and his sister was shot,” Sgt. Richard Biddle said.

The girl was taken to Antelope Valley Hospital, where she died, officials said.

Biddle said late Tuesday that detectives were interviewing the family to determine whether the shooting was an accident. The outcome of those conversations was not immediately available Wednesday.

Anyone with information about the slaying is asked to call the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Anonymous tips can be directed to (800) 222-8477.