The Los Angeles Post

Supervisor Barger Moves to Increase Reward in Unsolved Case of Murdered Preschooler

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Original reward amount more than triples to $75K amid renewed plea for public’s help   

Los Angeles. Ca (May 2, 2023) – Today, Supervisor Kathryn Barger successfully introduced a motion to increase and extend the reward offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for the murder of four-year-old Salvador “Chavita” Esparza III.

The young boy was shot while standing on the porch of a home he was visiting in unincorporated Altadena on July 5, 2016. The County of Los Angeles will now offer a $75,000 reward.

“Six years ago, little Salvador’s life was violently and tragically ended,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “I am extending and increasing the reward amount because I have faith that there’s someone out there who can help bring justice for the Esparza family. Every bit of information helps, so don’t hesitate to reach out. Help us identify the perpetrator who robbed Salvador of his future and left an unfillable void in his family’s heart.”

Pasadena Mayor Victor M. Gordo also weighed in, asking the community to do their part.

“Little Chavita Esparza would have been 11 years-old this year,” Mayor Gordo said. “Instead, he was shot and killed when he was just 4 years-old in July 2016.  He has not been forgotten and we are appealing to the public, once again, to step up and provide needed information to help us solve the horrific killing of this innocent little boy.  We are grateful to Supervisor Barger for her leadership and support in increasing and extending the reward monies to help identify and arrest those responsible for this heinous crime.”

The murder is being investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) Homicide Division. To report a tip or provide information related to this shooting, contact Sergeant Dominick Recchia 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.