It’s been 10 years since 4-year-old Salvador Esparza was shot and killed while hanging out on the porch of family friends’ home in Altadena on July 5, 2016. The killing of the preschooler shocked the community, and Los Angeles County has increased the reward multiple times for information leading to the shooter’s arrest.

Investigation and Reward

Investigators looked for the perpetrator based on the lead that a man was being chased on West Figueroa Drive near Grandeur Avenue, appearing to run away from suspected gang members. During the chase, the suspects opened fire, striking the man on the run as well as 4-year-old Salvador, according to authorities.

The boy was taken to a hospital but later died from his gunshot wounds. On the 10th anniversary of the untimely and tragic shooting death of Salvador, the county government announced that it’s increasing the reward yet again to $85,000 to catch the shooter.

Salvador’s mother, Corral Esparza, said during a news conference, ‘My baby had his whole life ahead of him, and it was taken away.’ Juana Esparza, Salvador’s grandmother, said she prays every day that someone will come forward and give information on the shooter, adding she hasn’t ‘lost hope.’ ‘I beg you to please come forward,’ the grandmother said. ‘Any little information to you, it’s big information for us.’

Call for Information

LA County Sheriff Robert Luna said that although investigators have received tips over the years, the public’s help is crucial in solving the 10-year-old cold case. ‘We believe someone knows who pulled the trigger. Someone knows who was involved. Someone knows the truth,’ Luna said. ‘Whether you witnessed something, you heard something, or have information that you’ve never shared, now is the time to come forward.’

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips can be made at 1-800-222-8477 or TIPS.

Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.