A homicide investigation was launched in East Los Angeles early Saturday morning after a boy was found fatally shot, according to Los Angeles County deputies.
In a news release, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide detectives said that they were called to assist East Los Angeles Station deputies with a shooting death investigation that happened at around 1:15 a.m. near Sixth Street and Fraser Avenue.
“Upon arrival, deputies located a male juvenile suffering from a gunshot wound,” the release said.
The victim, who was identified by family and friends as 17-year-old Joshua Aila, was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead, deputies said.
A candlelight memorial for Joshua Aila, the 17-year-old who was shot while driving home in East Los Angeles on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
CBS LA
Family members say that Aila was driving home through the area when he was shot.
“Through investigation, Homicide Investigators learned that the suspect entered a dark colored SUV and fled the scene eastbound on 6th street and out of view,” the LASD release said. “It is unknown if its gang related.”
Aila’s loved ones gathered at two memorial sites on Sunday night, one at the intersection where he was shot and the other outside of his family’s home.
Anyone who knows more was asked to contact LASD’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.
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