The Los Angeles Post

Barger Increases Reward in Homicide Investigation of Murdered Preschooler to $50K

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Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion by Supervisor Kathryn Barger to extend and increase the reward amount offered for information leading to the identification and arrest of the person involved in the murder of four-year-old Salvador Esparza III.

The young boy was shot while standing on the porch of a home in unincorporated Altadena on July 5, 2016. Emergency responders found him lying on the porch with a single gunshot wound to his head.

“My heart aches for Salvador’s family, their loss is unimaginable,” said Supervisor Barger. “This innocent preschooler was robbed of his potential and future. I’ve doubled the reward amount from $25,000 to $50,000 with the hope that it will lead to the arrest of the perpetrator of this terrible crime. Justice for the Esparza family must be served.”

Pasadena Mayor Victor M. Gordo shared his sentiments as well. “Thank you, Supervisor Barger, for your leadership and support in not only extending, but also increasing the reward monies to help identify and arrest those responsible for the death of 4 year-old ‘Chavita’ Esparza. I am appealing to the public to step up and provide needed information to help us solve the horrific killing of this innocent little boy.”

The murder is being investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD). Sergeant Dominick Recchia, a member of LASD’s Homicide Bureau, encouraged anyone with information to step forward. “Any bit of information related to this shooting is helpful and can be the missing link to solving this murder. We protect the identity of all individuals who provide tips, so please don’t hesitate to contact us. We won’t rest until the person responsible for this senseless murder is arrested.”

LASD investigators believe the suspect is a gang member, and that the shooting was gang-related. Investigators also believe that the young boy and his family were not the intended target.

To report a tip or provide information related to this shooting, contact LASD’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Spanish interpreters and interpreters who speak other languages are available. Tips can also be reported to the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or submitted online at lacrimestoppers.org.