Luis Garcia, 23 days

Luis Garcia, a 23-day-old baby boy, Latino, was killed by a stray bullet, and a 37-year-old Latino man was wounded near the intersection of 6th Street and Burlington Street -- not far from MacArthur Park -- at about 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, said Dt. Fred Faustino of LAPD Rampart station. The infant's time of death was listed as 10:06 p.m.

The mother was pushing the baby in his stroller as she shopped for clothes spread out on the sidewalk at a vending location at this busy, informal outdoor market spot near Home Depot. The suspects, three Latino men or youths with shaved heads, walked up to the vendor and shot him in the chest. One stray bullet hit the baby. Both the man and the baby were transported to California Hospital Medical Center. The baby died. The man is listed in stable condition with gunshot wounds to the chest.

A $75,000 reward was offered for information leading to an arrest in this case--$25,000 more than is usually offered. The case also was immediately assigned to LAPD's elite Robbery-Homicide Division and drew widespread media attention. It's worth noting, however, that homicides in LAPD's Rampart division have been down by 33% this year. With just 15 homicides this year, the precinct ranks about ninth among the city's 19 precincts in killings. LAPD's Newton and 77th Street precincts to the south have each had nearly three times as many murders this year as Rampart, with 41 apiece.

Also worth noting is that 14 robbery-homicide detectives were sent to investigate this one case.

The other 14 people killed in Rampart division this year continue to have their cases investigated by Rampart's normal cadre of precinct detectives--that is, six detectives, total.

Update: Police announced Tuesday that 19-year-old Luis Silva had been arrested and charged in connection to this killing.

Los Angeles Times story

Comments

[angelcares177]

I JUST HOPE THAT WHO EVER DONE THIS TERRIBLE CRIME PAYS FOR IT, A BABY WHAT THE HELL WERE THEY THINKING, THATS IF THEY EVEN HAVE COMMON SENCE. TO THE MOTHER MY PRAYERS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

[I'M A PARENT TOO]

MY PRAYERS GOES TO THE PARENTS , YOUR PRECIOUS BABY DID NOT HAVE TO GO THIS WAY, I HOPE THEY FIND WHO EVER DID THIS AND HURT THEM REALLY BAD. MAY YOUR BABY BOY REST IN PEACE.

[Mandy]

Oh my goodness! What is happening to our world? God bless you little Luis Garcia and your family.

This is unacceptable.

[Rick]

It is very sad commentary when a 23 day old baby is killed by a stray bullet fired by some gangster. It is just a total disregard for any life. The little infant just had no chance, may he rest in peace.

[frank]

There are lots of people on this street buying from the street vendors. This was probably done by 18th street gang members, they are the gang in this area. These are the type of low life fools who the death penalty is for. Where are the idiots who always complain about any cop shooting a cholo with a gun, your beloved cholos killed a baby, open your mouth now, and tell us who did this.

[Wanda]

SENSELESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ruben]

First of all Frank NO ONE complains when a cop kills a criminal with a gun, we all hate criminals regardless of race, culture, and economic status, but I think people are sick of cop killings that can EASILY be prevented. As for this case YES this person should be brought to justice and YES everyone in the community should unite and let their voices be heard. Someone knows something out there or heard about who did it, nows your time to speak up, this guy will be brought to justice....my condolences to the mother and family of this poor child.

[ruben]

A 75,000 dollar reward has been offered in helping solve this case

[Pedro (koreatown)]

UNACCEPTABLE, these fools need to be brought to JUSTICE! R.I.P Luis Garcia and MY prayers are with the Family.

[Mark]

Only $75,000? Thats only $3260 for every day this baby was alive.

If million dollar rewards were being offered, I bet more than a few murderers would be turned in.

[ellen]

An arrest has been made...a 19 year old thug who extorted money from street vendors. What a prince! ....His life is also over...he will spend the rest of his life in jail......

[Tracee]

This is just outright ridiculous and sooooooo irreplaceable.

[cc]

its like there arent even any comments to make...like this is jus really ridiculous

[b respectful]

Y r u restating facts?

This story is truly heartbreaking and i am thrilled that its getting the media play that it deserves. I pray that they catch these heartless fools

[Anna]

well thank god they got that animal? and i hope they get all them ,about 2 years ago my 17 year old brother was killed by the same gansters' and the case was never solved maybe one day i will get a call to lett me know that i hav closherand that they caught them basters but for know i got to live with the pain and thank god that one day theywll catch them, for know i send my condolesence to the family of that little angel that is now in heaven! May u rest in peace oh yeah hey{ rob i lov u 07-03-2005}

[John]

Frank was proved right about those low life 18th street gang members.
I wonder how many of them have baby brothers and sisters?

[hospice nurse]

This is a tragedy that no human should have to endure. I feel horrible when one of my children has the flu so I just can't imagine losing my child. Although it is hard and you are so sad that you can't even seem to pray just simply ask the lord to help and there is no sorrow that heaven can't heal. I know times are so hard now and they will continue to be hard. I cant go one day without praying for the safety of my children and my family. I could not exist and my mind would be lost if I did not know God. This is very sad and one of those things that makes you shake your head because you have no words. I live in South Los Angeles and I go to work and come home. My children don't hang out and I don't either. It shouldnt be like that but it is. I just pray the Lord will keep me safe until I can move away from here. You can't run from evil because crime exists everywhere but it will be bettter than South La

[Mist]

My parents go there sometimes to look around for fun and they usually take my two kids , a three year old and a 1 year old. I am horrified to read that this happened where they go. Cases like this hits you right in the heart because that could be anyone's child. My prayers go out to his family and his mother.

[Rev. Howard Dotson]

Fund Created To Help Family Of Slain 3-Week-Old
(CBS) LOS ANGELES A fund has been established for the family of a 3-week-old baby who was shot and killed over the weekend near MacArthur Park, Councilman Ed Reyes announced Wednesday.

Luis Angel Garcia was struck by a stray bullet as his mother pushed his stroller Saturday evening at Sixth Street and Burlington Avenue. Francisco Clemente, 37, was also shot and critically injured. Police believe Clemente -- not the 23-day-old baby -- was the intended target.

"This horrific crime that claimed the life of a defenseless newborn has moved so many -- throughout L.A. and beyond -- to anger and tears," said Reyes, who represents the area.

"It has also moved our community and its leaders, especially the Rev. Howard Dotson at First Congregational Church of Los Angeles, who set up the Baby Luis Angel Garcia Memorial Fund. I commend First Congregational and all
groups and individuals who have responded with such deep compassion for this family, for the community."

A 19-year-old reputed gang member, Luis Silva, was charged Tuesday with murder and other crimes in connection with the shooting.

It was unclear whether Silva actually fired the shot that killed the infant. Police are still searching for other suspects.

The city is offering a $75,000 reward for information in the case.

Donations can be mailed to the Baby Luis Angel Garcia Memorial Fund, c/o First Congregational Church of Los Angeles, 540 S. Commonwealth Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90020.

For more information, call (213) 385-1341, ext. 362.

[angel]

wow that is sad

[Julian Wan]

So sad. Gun control is needed all around America, if not only in California. We have the means to get this done. We just don't have the support. So sad this baby had to die.

SO SAD

[Mark]

Julian, did it ever occur to you that the criminals who have no problem in shooting people, wouldn't really care about any potential law limiting them from possesing a firearm?