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Suspect who Killed 4-Year-Old Arrested
Howard Astorga, 25, an alleged gang member, was arrested for the Monday shooting death of 4-year-old Robert Lopez. Astorga "is a recently paroled convict who has served prison time for firearms, narcotics and other offenses," Deputy Chief Sergio Diaz said, per the Associated Press. On Tuesday, Lopez was walking just two doors from his house between Echo Park and downtown with his sister when a bullet meant for another alleged gang member fatally hit him in the chest. Police announced the capture of somebody Thursday night in preparation of this morning's early press conference, but rumors spread that multiple suspects had been arrested. Also: If you like to make a donation to help the Lopez family out, check with the Echo Park Chamber of Commerce.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
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