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County Raises Reward to $85,000 in 2016 Killing of 4-Year-Old in Altadena

Officials say the larger reward and a public plea for tips are meant to prompt new information that could break the decade-old cold case.

Overview

  • A 4-year-old named Salvador Esparza was fatally struck by a bullet on July 5, 2016, while standing on the porch of a family friend's home during a chase in Altadena.
  • County leaders announced on Monday that the reward for information leading to an arrest has been raised to $85,000, the fifth increase since the case opened.
  • Investigators say suspects fired at least 13 rounds during the pursuit, wounding a 27-year-old man and hitting the child, and they believe the boy was not the intended target.
  • The case remains unsolved after 10 years; the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau says it has received tips but has made no arrests and is urging anyone with information to call investigators or Crime Stoppers.
  • Family members described ongoing grief at the anniversary and urged the public to come forward, with officials saying even small or previously unreported details could change the case and lead to charges.