Cynthia Perez, 14

Cynthia Perez, a 14-year-old Latina girl, was caught in gang crossfire as she sat in the back seat of her family's SUV at the intersection of Avenue 64 and York Boulevard in Highland Park about 3:10 p.m. Monday, May 26.

Perez was taken Huntington Hospital in Pasadena, where she was pronounced dead the next day at 1:15 p.m., according to Chief Assistant Ed Winter of the L.A. County coroner's office.  Los Angeles Police Department officials said Fabian Aguirre, 33, had stopped at a light next to the Perez's SUV when he got into an argument with a 16-year-old juvenile gang member who was standing on the sidewalk. The youth allegedly pulled out a gun and fired several shots at Aguirre; one of the bullets struck Perez, authorities said.  Perez's 7-year-old brother, who was sitting next to her, was treated for minor cuts caused by flying glass, police said. Aguirre, the driver of the truck, was also hit by the gunfire, but is expected to live. Two hours after the shooting, authorities arrested the 16-year-old alleged gang member on suspicion of attempted murder.

Photo: Carlos Chavez/Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Irene]

I would like to express my heartfelt sadness and compassion for the Perez family. I am a mother and can only imagine the anguish this little girls parents are feeling. I could go on about how angry I am and point fingers but I think instead, I will make a change and start helping my latina sisters get out of the mundane socioeconomic climate that fuels the fire of gang violence. I am going to devote some time to helping my sisters educate themselves and their children. EDUCATION is paramount if we are to eradicate this cycle of violence. I challenge myself here and now to DO SOMETHING. God bless the Perez Family.

[RIP Cynthia]

On Behalf of All your friends you will be deeply missed we will miss your smile, your laughter, your great sense of humor, We know words could not express how we feel or bring you back but we will always know we have an angel watching over us all, you were a great friend, daughter, grand daughter, sister, cousin, may your memory last a life time, you left behind all the ones you love and cherish but we would rather have you up above being an angel, the punks, that took your life i feel no sorry for them they will reap what they sow, you were an innocent victim lost in a senseless act of violance, you were only 3 blocks from your home but god called you home before you reached there, may you rest in peace, Mr. & Mrs. Perez, We are so sorry for your loss if we could only turn back the hands of time and bring her back, but we no you would only want the best for your precious lil angel, she is sleeping with the angels above, god bless you thank you for sharing her with all of us. your Daughter was a great friend to many we love and miss you lil one............

[Cynthia]

YOU will always be remembered thank you for being such a great friend we LOVE and miss you dearly.

[STEPHANIE]

MY CONDOLENCES GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY, I KNOW HOW IT FEELS TO LOOSE SOMEONE VERY SPECIAL. SHE IS FOREVER REMEMBERED AND MISSED, NO MATER WHAT HAPPENDS TO THE GUY WHO GOT CAUGHT, A LIFE WILL NEVER BE BROUGHT BACK....I'M SORRY FOR THIS INCIDENT THAT EVERY DAY SOMEONE'S LIFE IS TAKEN, OVER SOMETHING STUPID, A NEIGHBOHOOD THAT DOESN'T EVEN BELONG TO THEM.....GANG MEMBERS JUST DON'T KNOW HOW TO BE GANGSTERS. THERE'S CONCEQUENCES FOR EVERY ACTION YOU MAKE!

[chubby delight]

my heart goes out to this childs family, I also wanted to know how come the mother of five children who was found dead on estrella ave in the city of gardena is not listed on the homicide report I live in gardena and she waw found right by gardena elementry where my children go to school and I'm just concerned and would like more info on this case

[Davina]

Mr. & Ms. Perez, In your time of sorrow, I am sadden to her about your daughter she was a special gift from above, we will miss her smile, laughter, kind heart, she was an all around great girl, not only did you loose your daughter, granddaughter, sister, cousin and friend, we all lost her as well, she will be deeply missed I am thankful to have known her may she rest in peace with the angels above, we love and miss you CYNTHIA..........

[darlene]

rest in peace

cynthia perez

[benson la bord]

sorry to hear about your loss it's a shame that someone so young had to go in such a way she will be remembered and loved forever in your hearts my god
be with you in this time of need
god bless

[Abigail Sanchez]

My heart aches. Such a terrible loss. I can't help but to think of the boy's family as well. He appaently didn't even think about the heartache he brings to his own loved ones. What a tragedy all the way around. So senseless!

[Linda]

My condolences to the Perez family its sad to know that another young childs life is taken away from her family,friends,and this world..She will forever remember and in the hearts of everyone who loved her...!! may she rest in peace in the heavens up above..

[ENOUGHALREADY.]

THIS IS SUCH A TRAJEDY, THIS YOUNG LADY WAS JUST SPENDING MEMORIAL DAY, DOING THINGS WE ALL DO DAY IN AND DAY OUT, IT COULD HAVE BEEN ANYONE OF US. CITY OFFICIALS NEED TO TAKE SOME KIND OF ACTION TO PREVENT THINGS LIKE THIS TO HAPPEN. I WISH THERE WAS SOMETHING WE COULD ALL DO THIS IS TERIBBLE ,ENOUGH ALREADY R.I.P. YOUNG LADY, CYNTHIA.

[KD]

Yea I cant lie, I been reading this blog since it began last year and its ridiculous how much violence is coming to the innocent people, its sad, sometimes I wonder if i'll ever end up on here...hopefully not

[Highland Park Resident]

I can't even imagine the heartache and pain her family is going through, my heartfelt condolences.
I often frequent the intersection where she was shot. I eat there, shop there...it's hard to imagine that this tragedy actually happened in such an innocuous place.
Like a lot of other folks I've learned to be careful who I sit next to in restaurants, who I walk next to in the street and I'm always aware when gang members are present. I have moved tables and left restaurants and stores when gang members arrive because I know there might be the possibility of a shoot-out. I'm sick of living this way.
And by the way, I don't think the answer is more laws, more jail time etc. This strategy has accomplished nothing. The gang problem is much more complicated and requires multiple solutions along with creative and compassionate thinking.

[C. MARTINEZ]

I AM SO SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOU'RE LIL GIRL.NOW A DAY'S YOU CAN NOT EVEN GO OUT..WE HAVE TOO MA KE A STAND!!OUR KID'S ARE PAYING THE PRICE FOR A MAKE BELIVE WAR THAT GANG'S HAVE FOR ONE ANOTHER. WE ARE ALL THE SAME INSIDE..TO THE PEREZ FAMILY I FEEL YOU'RE PAIN I TOO LOSS MY LIL BROTHER TO GANG VIOLENCE.3-11-08 FREDDY CARRANZA JR.. HE TOO WAS MURDERED BY GANG MEMBER'S AND IN HIGHLAND PARK...WE NEED PEACE ON THESE STREET'S....

[Rick]

I have no sympathy for the 16 year old killer who shot this innocent girl minding her own business. I hope he rots in prison. I can care less about his parents and family. My heart breaks for the victims family and friends who have to deal with this senseless murder.

[AK]

My heart goes out to this family. I feel bad that society has now lost two children, one to ignorance and the other to senseless violence. It saddens my heart to know that a famiily cannot go out together without having tragedy strike. This is disheartening. It caused me to tear up and feel as though we are losing a future while our youth are slowing slipping away. My prayers are with the Perez family.

[jazmine]

i knew her she was my friend =[[ and the girl in the picture crying is my friend i miss her soo much rest in paradise cynthia

[TINA YAMASHIRO]

TO CYNTHIA PEREZ'S FAMILY
OUR HEARTS GO OUT TO YOU AND WE WILL KEEP YOU ALL IN OUR PRAYERS.
WE FEEL YOUR SHOCK AND SADNESS AND SHARE THE EMPTY VOID YOU ARE GOING THROUGH RIGHT NOW.
YOU SEE, OUR SAMMANTHA SALAS WAS KILLED ON JANUARY 26, 2008 IN THE CITY OF MONROVIA HER KILLERS ARE STILL OUT THERE FREE TO ROAM THE STREETS. SHE HAD JUST TURNED 16 YRS. OLD.
PLEASE BAND TOGETHER AND SEEK HELP AS A FAMILY BECAUSE FAMILY IS VERY IMPORTANT RIGHT NOW. IT WON'T BRING BACK CYNTHIA HOWEVER IT WILL BRING PEACE.
I KNOW SAMMANTHA AND ALL THE REST OF THE OTHER CHILDREN WHO LOST THEIR INNOCENT LIVES TO KILLINGS WILL TAKE CARE OF CYNTHIA.
MANY BLESSINGS,
T. YAMASHIRO

[JESSICA]

TO THE PEREZ FAMILY I DIDNT KNOW YOUR LITTLE GIRL BUT MY SISTER DID AND WHEN I HEARD ABOUT THIS IT DIDNT FEEL RIGHT USUALLY WHEN I HEAR SOMEONE PASSED AWAY HERE IN HLP I DONT PAY MUCH ATTENTION BUT FOR SOME REASON CYNTHIA COUGHT MY ATTENTION SINCE MEMORIAL DAY I HAVENT STOP THINKING ABOUT HER OR THE PAIN YOU GUYS MUST BE GOING THROUGH I AM SO SORRY YOU HAD TO LOOSE HER I KNOW I DIDNT KNOW HER BUT SHE SEEMS LIKE SHE WAS AN AMAZING GIRL AND I WISH SHE WERE STILL HERE, YOU GUYS HAVE BEEN ON MY PRAYERS EVERY NIGHT AND WILL BE FOR A LONG TIME. I AM SO CAREFUL WHEN I DRIVE THROUGH THERE WITH MY SISTER BECAUSE WE PASS BY THERE ALMOST EVERY DAY AND IT MAKES ME FEEL REALLY SAD WHEN I SEE CYNTHIAS PICTURES THERE. I HAVE ACTUALLY CRIED ABOUT THIS I JUST FEEL SO SAD AND ITS NOT FAIR WHAT HAPPEND TO HER OR THE PAIN THE PEREZ FAMILY IS GOING THROUGH

CYNTHIA PEREZ REST IN PARADISE

WE ALL MISS YOU VERY MUCH

[Cesar Serrano]

I have a question to ask! Who was the idiot who was arguing with the shooter? He put this poor girl's life in peril because he didn't like the guy across the street. Someone should take Mr Aguirre and show him the consequences to his idiotic MACHISMO. Thses guys think they are so tough with gun's and knives. I hope the both of these individuals pay for there action's DEATHLY. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. It is very tragic to lose something so precious to cowards who can't even stick around and take resposibility for there action's. Brave enough to shoot but P*()Y enough to run away. That is not being brave. I hate gangster's and dispise them more and more. Let's toughen our laws and protect those that are defenesless against this kind of plague. Let's call the police anytime they congregrate and have partie's or hangout. Let's make ther lives unbearable and unlivable. Peace,Love and Happiness to your family. God will soon bring you the greatest gift in life. Be Well!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[crystal bravo]

first of all i will juss wanna tell everyone dat if they dont knoe what really happen u ppl shouldnt open your mouths in the first pplace...how cynthia was a victim so was the 16 yr old boy because he was as well minding his own business and den dat ignorant man came talking smack to him what type of 30 yr old man comes talking smack to a teenager that is also minding his own business and that man had the nerv to come talking smack twice!!!!...he felt threaten by that man and he did that..he never thought he was going to hit sumone else especially sumone innocent....this wasn't ment to happened unlike sum other ppl that actualy do plan things n do them on purpose...

[mary]

how theres rumors saying dat girl killed was related to the teen's girlfriend wat type of dumb ignorant ppl would think he did it on purpose!!!things happen for a reason
r.i.p cynthia perez

[JAY]

I cannot begin to comprehend why people are using this blog to try to straighten out rumors. Or justify the actions that were taken. The truth of the matter is that a beautiful young lady lost her life in a very tragic & sensless way! And that she indeed is the real victim in all of this as well as her family.Yes, many actions could've been taken to prevent this on the young boy & man's part, but they weren't! And now an entire community has been affected. I personally did not know Cynthia but, know many people that did. And as a person that has been on the receiving end of a tragic death of a family member such as this can understand what pain her family & friends have to deal with and the long road ahead. My heart goes out to the Perez family & all of Cynthia's friends. As a resident of Lincoln heights & Highland park my entire life, come on "mi gente" Stop fighting over something that isn't, nor has ever been your's to fight over to begin with. This is the result,innocent people get hurt!!! This needs to STOP!

[jasset]

R.i.P CyNTHiA i MiSS yOU i HARDLy KNOW yOU.i WiLL MiSS yOU ALLWAyS AND FOREVER.
yOUR GONE BUT NEVER FORGGOTEN

[Vanessa]

Rest In Peace Cynthia.
We all Love & Miss you!
You'll always be in our heart & thoughts.
May u rest.
='(

[Cynthia]

I'm so sorry for this loss, it's just so sad that these gangs stupidity hurt other innocent people. Oh my god especially infront of her young brother, what was this 33 year old man thinking arguing with a 16 year old. He was such an idiot!!! What they hell did he get out of it, but get shot on both arms??? Really I hope there is justice for this young beautiful lady. I am so sorry for your loss really I am I started reading this blog 3 months ago after my cousin death, and I cant beleive how many homicides there are that are gang related, and from all these damn gang related shootings, innocent people like Cynthia here pay for it. My condolences go out to her family and I hope she Rests in peace watch over us "Angelita" del cielo.

[GIRLY]

NO SHE DIDNT DIE RIGHT AWAY SHE WAS PROUNCED BRAIN DEAD SO THEY TOOK HER OFF LIFE SUPPORT

[syscom3]

Cynthia, dont you think the main issue is why a 16 yo was carrying a firearm and was intending to use it?

[Chubie]

dammm baby girl cant believe ur gone...

We all miss u may uuu REST.IN.PARADISE "SERENITY"
love babeee gurrlll!!

[Gaby]

Im going to miss you....
So many things have happend from gang violenc1
It wasnt even ment 4 you!
But i guess it was time 4 you go....
im.... just going 2 miss you....
I wish i would have seen you One last time!
and i know what its like 2 lose someone, so i know what your family is feeling...
But i will seen soon.... your in a better place , no fear, no waries!
R.I.P Cynthia Perez.
[Never 4 goten]

[CHURRO VILLA]

8[[[
8..[
CYNTHIA,GOD WAT TO SAY...NOTHING CAN EXPRESS THE LOST OF A LOVED ONE
I MSS YOU,WE MISS YOU SO MUCH!
LOOKIN AT UR PICTURES JUST BREAKS US INTO TEARS,CAN'T BELIEVE UR REALLY GONE.
8[[[
IF WE CAN ONLY TURN BACK THE HANDS OF TIME,IF ONLY...
I WILL CHERRISH OUR MOMENTS THAT WE HAD.

WE MISS YOU!

[Sarah Cortes]

Cynthia i miss you soo much today is 3 months that you are gone i miss you and love you
i wish i can see your unforgettable smile and hear your laughter for one last time i miss you ,you were such a great friend always there for one, you cared for others and that's why we care for you soooo much!
you may be gone physically but mentally and emotionally your still here.
all i have left from you are pictures ,letters,memories since elemantary that i will carry in my heart FOREVER!
rest in peace cynthia perez delgado .

love always,
your friend Sarah Cortes

[ELIA NESS]

DAMN CYNTHIA
WE WOULD OF BEEN IN SCHOOL THAT DAY
THEY SHOT U AROUND 3
GOD HAS AN ANGEL UP THERE NOW
WE MISS U
ALOT OF PEOPLE MISS U
DANG.. 4 MONTHS
WE LOVE YOU
ALWAYS!

r.i.p
cynthia

[MARIA]

rip baybee qirl i love you and miss you so much!

[churro villa]

we miss you:[
hope to see u soon

[Lauren]

Yesterday was 7 months bbygirl
Christmas Wasnt the same without you and i know nothing will ever be the same

i know that you were up above watching all of us down here
we all miss you and we love you always

and by the way;
BOTH the guy that shot and the guy that was arguing are Morons!

There are NO excuses for taking this amazing girl's life.!!

[Jessica]

I personally do not know Cynthia or her family but may she rest in peace and may God comfort her family and loved ones.

[King Trigger]

its been so long from the last i seen u at franklin all we can say is that we miss u

im really sorry 4 not being there at lunch last year with ur friend

its sad to know that i never said see you later until i meet u on heaven.

love trigger

[Christian Arroyo]

Cynthia I will always miss you and love you I wish I talked to you more before you died rest in peace Cynthia we all miss you

[NAILSS]

RIP CYNTHIA

[Joseph olvera]

Why don't we stop calling him the juvinile and call these people for what they are Gagsters! and when arrested should not be shown mercy by the courts regardles of age.

[jupiterr<33]

hey yeah this sucks.... i really didnt know her but she went to my middle school and what happpend was reallllyyy saddddd........ well i hope she comes in blessings. and also a guy got shot to man this all sucks and all because of violence :(

[JJ]

CYNTHIA I DONT KNOW YOU BUT IM A PARENT AS WELL AS A HUMAN AND IT HURTS TO KNOW THAT YOUR LIFE WAS CUT SHORT BY SOME STUPID LITTLE LOW LIFE TRYING TO PROVE TO HIS STUPID DUMB AS GANG "noodles" THAT HE HAS IT LIKE THAT THINKING THEY WILL BE THEIR FOR HIM THROUGH SOMETHING LIKE THIS TUFF TIME THAT HE IS GOING THROUGH RIGHT NOW BUT LIL DID HE KNOW THEY ARE NEVER THEIR FOR YOU WHEN YOU REALLY NEED THEM WELL ANYWAYS MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE PARENTS MAY GOD KEEP YOU STRONG THROUGH THIS TUFF TIME BUT YOUR DAUGHTER IS LOOKING DOWN ON YOU AND EVERYONE WHO HAS REAL LOVE FOR HER
REST IN PEACE CYNTHIA

[REALiTy]

DAMM CYNTHIA I MISS JU SOO MUCHOO && I WAS I COULD TALK TO YOU ONE LAST TIME SORRY I HAVENT GONE TO THE CEMETARYY TO SEE YHUU BUTT ILL GO SOON NOTHING IS THE SAME WITHOUT YOU I MISS YOU SOO MUCH COUSIN<3 I WISH YHU WERE HERE<3

[juror]

LOS ANGELES – Jurors today convicted an Avenues gang member who shot a male driver at a Los Angeles intersection in an unprovoked attack and killed a 14-year-old girl in an adjacent vehicle.

Deputy District Attorney Michele Hanisee of the Hardcore Gang Division said Edmundo Ruiz, 18, was convicted of the first-degree murder of Cynthia Perez and the willful, deliberate, premeditated attempted murder of a second victim. Ruiz was 16 at the time of the incident.

Jurors deliberated about four hours before returning the verdict. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge George G. Lomeli ordered Ruiz to return for sentencing on Nov. 19 in Department 119 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center.

A second defendant, Julio Lugo, 29, was acquitted of a single count of accessory after the fact. After the shooting, Ruiz went home and Lugo allegedly picked him up to drive him out of the area where the murder occurred.

On May 26, 2008, at about 3 p.m. Ruiz was walking up and down a sidewalk at the intersection of York Boulevard and Avenue 64 in Highland Park.

Ruiz was starring at the victim. When the victim looked back at him, Ruiz walked across several lanes of traffic, approached the man’s vehicle and shot multiple times. One of the rounds missed its target and struck Perez who was seated in the passenger seat of an adjacent vehicle. The bullet struck the girl above her left eye.

[daisy`]

its hard to wake up seeing your bed empty i miss you so much i never thought that you were going to leave me so soon. i miss you like crazy CYNTHIA you were my best friend and my sister most of all. there isnt enough words to start to describe what you meant to me. i spend 14 years with you and now its hard to be alone without you already a year that has passed by and i still cant believe it i try to accept the fact that your gone and in a way better place all i have now are our memories that i treasure i miss the warmth of your smile may you rest in peace i love you bbysister! YOUR THE ANGEL BY MY SIDE!

[ADMIRE!]

Te Amo Cynthia.

i miss you SOOOOO much,
it's almost your birthday,
Im going to go visit you<3
My mom found more pictures of us
at Garvanza.
Damnn I justMiss you/
It's just so hard to believe this .

Rest In Peace

Visit Me IN My dreams When YouCan
I always Love Seeing You In My Dreams
I Love You

Admiree,Serenity.

Rest In PEACE<3

[Vanessa Cortes.]

Happy 16th Birthday!<3
I Still Cant Believe Your Gonee.
I look On The Brightsidee&Say Your In A Better Place.<3
We All Miss&Love You!<3
May You Rest In Peacee.<33

always your friend,
Vanessa.

VANEH LOVES SINDEE.<3

[april.a]

rest in peace cythia yuhnever forget will b missed truly ill yuh im always here thinkin not a day goes by i dont think of yuh

[juror]

LOS ANGELES – An 18-year-old Avenues gang member was sentenced today to 82 years to life in prison for fatally shooting a 14-year-old girl and attempting to kill a second victim.

Los Angeles Superior Court Judge George Lomeli imposed the sentence.

Edmundo Ruiz was convicted Sept. 14 of the first-degree murder of Cynthia Perez and the willful, deliberate, premeditated attempted murder of a male victim. Deputy District Attorney Michele Hanisee of the Hardcore Gang Division prosecuted the case.

The defendant, who was 16 at the time of the incident, was walking up and down a sidewalk at the intersection of York Boulevard and Avenue 64 in Highland Park.

As he paced, Ruiz stopped to stare at the male victim who was sitting in his vehicle. When the victim looked back at him, Ruiz walked across several lanes of traffic, approached the man’s vehicle and shot multiple times.

One of the rounds missed its intended target and struck Perez who was seated in the passenger seat of an adjacent car. The bullet struck the girl above her left eye.