Tuesday, 28 July 2026, 4:35
Ten years after a stray bullet killed 4-year-old Salvador Esparza in his Altadena home, Los Angeles County authorities are making a fresh appeal for answers. The boy, who dreamed of becoming a firefighter or deputy sheriff, was caught in crossfire on July 5, 2016, and his case remains unsolved.
According to Sheriff Robert Luna, Salvador was standing near the doorway of his home in the 300 block of West Figueroa Drive around 10:40 p.m. when a man being chased by suspected gang members ran through the property. The pursuers opened fire, hitting the fleeing man in the leg—he survived—but one bullet struck Salvador. The child was rushed to a hospital but died from his injuries. “He was not the intended target,” Luna said at a July 5, 2026 news conference. “He was an innocent 4-year-old boy, whose life was stolen by an act of senseless violence.” Luna added, “Salvador should be 14 years old today.”
At the same conference, held on the 10-year anniversary of the killing, Luna and Supervisor Kathryn Barger urged anyone with knowledge to come forward. “Somebody knows who did this,” Luna said, directly addressing the shooter: “Step up, be a man, and say, ‘Hey, I did it.’” The reward has been increased to $85,000, and deputies ask tipsters to call 323-890-5500. Luna also said, “I'd love for the person who did it to step up himself and say, 'Hey, I'm sorry I didn't mean to kill this beautiful young little boy.’”
Authorities also emphasized that the reward is available for anonymous tips. “We believe someone knows who pulled the trigger,” Luna said. “Someone knows who was involved. Someone knows the truth, and today we are asking those individuals to step up to the plate and do the right thing.” Investigators have received valuable information over the past 10 years, but it has not been enough to lead to an arrest. Authorities say details that may seem insignificant could provide the breakthrough needed in the case. “Even the smallest piece of information could be the missing link investigators need to identify those that are responsible for this murder,” Barger said. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Barger also stated, “For nearly a decade, this family has lived with unanswered questions and unimaginable grief. No family should have to wait this long for justice.”
Altadena, an unincorporated community in Los Angeles County, has seen its share of gang-related violence, but the death of a toddler in his own home shocked the neighborhood. The Esparza family has remained in the area, with grandmother Juana Esparza saying she contacts county officials “all the time” seeking justice. She added, “I pray every single day” and “I haven't lost hope, and I don't plan on losing hope.” In a recent statement, Juana Esparza said, “My grandson was taken away from us, and it's been really hard on us. Every single day I pray.”
Cold cases involving young victims often see renewed attention on anniversaries, but this case has frustrated investigators for a decade. While some tips have come in, none have led to an arrest. The family continues to grieve publicly, with mother Coral Esparza fighting back tears: “My baby had his whole life ahead of him, and it was taken away.” Sheriff Luna described Salvador as a typical 4-year-old: “He loved riding in his grandfather's lowrider, going to preschool, riding his quad. He loved watching scary movies, but 'Toy Story' was his favorite.”
Luna also noted, “He dreamed about what he wanted to do when he grew up. Salvador told his family he either wanted to be a firefighter or a deputy sheriff.”
Authorities and the Esparza family are clinging to hope that someone will provide the missing link. As Supervisor Barger said, “Even the smallest piece of information could be the missing link investigators need.” Anyone with details is urged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department at 323-890-5500 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
