‘He wanted everyone to do well’

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On Wednesday afternoon, outside a liquor store in El Sereno, Los Angeles City Councilman Jose Huizar and Los Angeles Police Department officials announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to the capture of Jesus Guevara’s killers.

LAPD Hollenbeck detectives said Guevara, 24, had just cashed his check at the liquor store, at 3327 N. Eastern Ave., and was about to enter his vehicle when he was shot twice in the back. Detectives said someone yelled something out and fired at Guevara.

‘Let me remind you that the shooting happened in broad daylight,’ Huizar said. ‘Broad daylight and It happened on a busy street.’

The liquor store sits between a meat market and a restaurant. ‘Please, we ask for your help,’ said Guevara’s aunt, Maria Corona.

At the conference Guevara, left, was described as a promising young man. He served four years on active duty in the U.S. Navy. In 2005 he assisted in the tsunami relief effort in Thailand. After leaving active duty, Guevara remained in the Navy reserves as a petty officer. Corona said he worked as a hydraulics engineer at Shultz Steel Co. in South Gate. Guevara’s co-workers loved him, she said. Guevara was attending East Los Angeles College.

Shortly after the news conference, family members stood outside the store. Guevara’s aunt and sister said he was always being encouraging. ‘He wanted everyone to do well,’ Corona said.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call Hollenbeck Dets. Jake Dugger or Araceli Negrete at (323) 526-3091 or (877) 529-3855.

ruben vives / LAT