LOS ANGELES, California – Two suspects have been apprehended for their involvement in a string of fatal shootings across Southern California, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, including a 14-year-old boy. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is currently conducting an investigation into the killings, which occurred in the cities of Bell, Cudahy, Huntington Park, and the Florence-Firestone area of South L.A.
Authorities have located a red Honda Pilot SUV believed to be connected to the shootings. After identifying the vehicle and its license plate number, investigators entered the information into a law enforcement database, which led to a traffic stop in San Bernardino County. One suspect was taken into custody at that time. The other suspect was subsequently arrested after a SWAT team carried out a search warrant at a residence.
Both suspects, Gary Garcia, 42, and Timberland Wayne McNeely, 20, are believed to be affiliated with local gangs. Homicide detectives suspect that a third individual involved in the shootings may still be at large.
Authorities have described the shootings as “a random murder spree.” One of the shootings resulted in the tragic death of 14-year-old Javier Pedraza Jr. and left another boy injured. A GoFundMe page has been created in honor of Javier.
The other victims of the shootings include 24-year-old Kevin Parada, who was killed in Bell. The names of the other two deceased victims have been withheld by the medical examiner’s office, pending notification of their families.
Any individuals with information pertaining to the shootings have been urged to contact the sheriff’s Homicide Bureau.