L.A. County Board of Supervisors Extend $50,000 Reward Offered in Murder of Altadena Preschooler

Earlier this week, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion by Supervisor Kathryn Barger to extend the $50,000 reward offered for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible for the murder of four-year-old Altadena boy.

Salvador Esparza III was shot while standing on the porch on July 5, 2016.

“This shooting violently and tragically ended the life of an innocent little boy,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “Six months ago, I doubled the reward amount offered from $25,000 to $50,000. I am extending the reward because I have faith that someone will have the courage to do the right thing. Help us identify the perpetrator who robbed Salvador of his future and left a hole in his family’s heart. Justice for the Esparza family must be served.” 

Mayor Victor Gordo urged the community to do its part. 

“Chavita Esparza would be 10 years old today had he not been murdered in July of 2016,” Mayor Gordo said. “I am grateful to Supervisor Barger for extending the reward to encourage the public to step up and provide the information needed to help solve the horrific killing of 4 year old Chavita. Once again, I appeal to our community to step up, help identify the perpetrator of this heinous crime, and bring closure to Chavita’s family.”

The murder is being investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Division. To report a tip or provide information related to this shooting, contact Sergeant Dominick Recchia at (323) 890-5500. Spanish interpreters and interpreters who speak other languages are available. 

Tips can also be reported to the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or submitted online at lacrimestoppers.org.