This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
A teenager celebrating what should have been her sweet sixteenth birthday was gunned down by unknown assailants at her own birthday party.
Ashley Caldera was celebrating with her friends at Northgate Park in Fontana Saturday night when two unidentified men opened fire, according to KTLA. The teen's friends say the men got out of a car and approached the group and asked them where they were from.
The teenagers tried to run from the men, who opened fire on the group, striking Caldera.
One of her friends sat by her as Caldera died. The teen was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police say the shooters did not know Caldera or her friends.
“I can’t believe she’s gone. I want her to walk through that door but I know it’s not going to happen,” her mother, Lorraine Valdez, told CBS2. Valdez said she couldn't believe she had to spend Memorial Day planning her daughter's funeral.
Friends and family are hoping the public can provide information about the shooters to aid the police in their investigation. Caldera's sister told CBS2: “If anybody knows anything, even if it’s a little something so we can put the pieces together, please help. Even if you hear from someone else - just anything - just reach out to us and help in any way you can."
