On Sunday, Sept. 24, three-year-old Kaitlyn Avila was shot and killed by suspected gang members in front of her Baldwin Village home.
The gunman, described as a black man in his early 20s, first opened fire on Cesar Avila, 24, the girl’s father. Today, Avila remains hospitalized in critical condition. The afternoon attack took place as Avila was helping his two daughters get out of their car. Kaitlyn’s five-year-old sister witnessed the shooting but was uninjured.
Chief Bratton, City and community leaders and several of the victim’s family members rallied Sept. 27 to condemn the violent act and seek community support in the apprehension of the assailants.
"This past Sunday a child was brutally murdered," said Chief Bratton. "By all accounts, this murder was in fact an execution. This senseless, unprovoked and cowardly act is a clear reminder that there are some among us whose only intention is to harm others."
City Councilman Herb Wesson said he will seek approval of a $50,000 reward for information leading to the capture and conviction of the killer.
The gunman is described as being about six-feet tall and having two long, braided ponytails. The suspects fled in what witnesses described as a gray Nissan Quest minivan or a gray Chrysler 300 C.
Deputy Chief Charles Beck, South Bureau Commanding Officer, said the men identified themselves as gang members before shooting Avila and his youngest daughter. The men may have believed Avila belonged to a rival gang, but the father has no criminal history and there is no evidence that he is a gang member, Deputy Chief Beck added.
This is the first killing in Baldwin Village since November 2005. Detectives have very few leads and encourage anyone with information to call (877) 529-3855.
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