What should have been an ordinary, quiet afternoon ended in tragedy for a Hispanic family in Southern California.
Rodrigo, a 12-year-old boy, lost his life after being hit by a stray bullet while playing in a park in the city of Compton.
What happened?
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the shooting occurred around 3:55 p.m. on Friday, May 9, at the intersection of Oris Street and South Aranabe Avenue, inside a local park.
Deputies from the Compton Sheriff’s Station were alerted to an assault with a firearm and found the minor critically injured.
At the scene, officers began first aid maneuvers while Compton Fire Department paramedics arrived.
Rodrigo was taken alive to the nearest hospital, but was pronounced dead shortly thereafter due to the severity of his injuries.
Who was Rodrigo?
Rodrigo – or “Rodri”, as he was affectionately known – was a happy child, full of dreams and with a special passion for sports.
According to his family on a GoFundMe page, he loved playing soccer, was an avid Boston Celtics fan, and also really enjoyed American soccer.
Sports were his life after his family. He was a child with many dreams. He loved to run, laugh, and play. He dreamed of becoming a professional soccer player one day. His passing has devastated us
GoFundMe
Search for the person responsible
Witnesses to the shooting described the alleged shooter as a man dressed entirely in black, wearing a black ski mask and seen running northbound on Oleander Avenue before disappearing.
Authorities have not yet determined the motive for the attack, and so far no arrests have been made in connection with the case.
The Sheriff’s Homicide Department is in charge of the investigation.
Anyone with relevant information can contact 323-890-5500.
Those wishing to provide data anonymously can do so by calling Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477, or by visiting lacrimestoppers.org.
Aid Campaign
In light of the unexpected tragedy, Rodrigo’s parents, Betty and Arturo, have opened a GoFundMe account to ask for help from the community.
The funds raised will be used to cover funeral expenses and to provide emotional and logistical support to the family at this painful time.
“Any donation you can and will give will be immensely appreciated. Today it is our turn to live this nightmare, but tomorrow it could be anyone. Thank you for your solidarity,” they wrote.
A call to the community
Rodrigo’s death has shaken the entire Compton community and reopened the debate about gun violence that especially affects Latino and African-American neighborhoods.
Activists and neighbors are calling for increased police presence, prevention programs and safe spaces for children to play without fear.
Rodrigo leaves a huge void, not only in his family, but also in his school, his soccer team and among those who were fortunate enough to know him.
His story must not be forgotten: it is an urgent call to protect children and demand justice.
For more news, visit QueOnnda.com.
