LOS ANGELES – Authorities in Southern California have made significant progress in the investigation of a series of shootings that claimed the lives of four people, including a 14-year-old boy. The tragic incidents occurred within a few hours of each other late Sunday night and early Monday morning. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is currently looking into the killings across several cities in the area, including Bell, Cudahy, Huntington Park, and the Florence-Firestone area of South L.A.
Law enforcement officials have confirmed that two suspects are now in custody in connection with the shootings. The investigation led authorities to the recovery of a red Honda Pilot SUV believed to be involved in the crimes. The vehicle was quickly identified and entered into a law enforcement database, leading to a traffic stop in San Bernardino County, where one of the suspects was apprehended.
Sheriff’s deputies were able to identify the second suspect through other investigative means and arrested the individual after a SWAT team served a search warrant at a undisclosed location. The suspects have been named as Gary Garcia, 42, and Timberland Wayne McNeely, 20, both believed to be gang members.
Law enforcement officials have also expressed their concern that a third suspect may still be at large following the arrests. They suspect that the shootings may have been a random murder spree. The fatal shooting that took the life of 14-year-old Javier Pedraza Jr. also left another boy wounded and hospitalized in stable condition.
In addition to the tragic loss of young Javier, the community is mourning the deaths of 24-year-old Kevin Parada and two other victims. Family and friends have created GoFundMe pages to help pay for funeral expenses and to honor the memory of the deceased.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the killings to come forward and contact the sheriff’s Homicide Bureau. The investigation is ongoing, and the local community is coming together to support the families of the victims during this difficult time.