LOS ANGELES (CNS) - A $25,000 reward was offered today for information leading to whoever killed a young man, who volunteered as an Explorer at the sheriff's Norwalk Station, and his friend nearly seven years ago.
County Supervisor Janice Hahn recommended the reward and encouraged witnesses to tell law enforcement what they know.
"It has been seven long years and we still do not know who did this,” Hahn said at a news conference at the downtown Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration. "Cesar and Larry's families deserve answers and there are people out there who have them. If you know anything about this horrific crime, I urge you to come forward.”
Cesar Rodriguez, 19, of Whittier, was fatally shot as the aspiring deputy stood with a friend, 24-year-old Larry Villegas, in front of a house in the 11800 block of Painter Avenue in an unincorporated area near Whittier about 3:30 a.m. on Aug. 28, 2011.
A gray Scion sedan appeared in front of the men, and the driver pulled out a handgun and fired several shots, the sheriff's department reported soon after the killings.
Three or four people were in the car.
Investigators believe the victims, neither of whom were affiliated with gangs, may have been mistaken for local gang members who had been at the scene earlier in the night.
Anyone with more information was urged to call sheriff's Sgt. Michael Rodriguez at (323) 574-1363.