Reward raised to $85,000 for information about Altadena boy’s murder on 10-year anniversary

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna announced Monday, July 6, an increased reward of $85,000 for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of those responsible for the killing of 4-year-old Salvador “Chavita” Esparza III.

Members of the child’s family along with law enforcement officials and L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger stood in front of the home where Esparza was fatally struck by gunfire 10 years ago on July 5, 2016.

Esparza was standing by the front door of the home when he was struck by a stray bullet. Luna said a man was being chased through an Altadena property in the 300 block of West Figueroa Drive by people “believed to be gang members,” Luna said. During the chase, the man was struck in the leg by gunfire and a bullet hit Salvador.

“Somebody knows who did this,” Luna said. “I’d love for the person who did it step up himself and say ‘hey I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to kill this beautiful young little boy,’ so step up be a man and say I did it.”

Esparza’s mother, Coral Salvador, and grandmother, Juana Esparza, spoke through tears about Salvador and urged anyone with information to come forward. Juana Esparza wore a shirt emblazoned with a picture of Salvador smiling and wearing a Los Angeles Lakers jersey.

Coral Salvador said being back at scene of the shooting was very hard.

“My baby had his whole life ahead of him and it was taken away,” she said.

All speakers reiterated that even the smallest bit of information could be the difference in solving the case.

Barger and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved the increased reward, which over the last 10 years has increased since initially being placed at $20,000 in 2016.

“To the person who knows something or has been waiting to come forward, today is the day,” Barger said.

Anyone with information can contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office homicide bureau at 323-890-5500 To remain anonymous, call 1-800-222-8477.

“Look at this heartbroken family behind me. It’s about Salvador, his memory and bringing justice to this family,” Luna said. “At the end, please, do the right thing.”