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.
An 18-year-old boy died early Sunday morning after being shot while walking in the parking lot of a church in Riverside. KTLA reports that the boy, identified as Luis Quintanar, was walking in the parking lot of Central Community Christian Church in Riverside with two friends around 1:15 a.m. when they were confronted by the suspect. The church's parking lot is a popular place to skateboard.
According to ABC-7, an altercation broke out, and the suspect brandished a handgun and shot Quintanar before fleeing the scene.
One of Quintanar's friends told KTLA that the assailant at first fired the gun into the air. Quintanar then told the man to "relax," but the suspect walked straight up to Quintanar and shooting him in the chest.
Riverside Police officer Ryan Railsback told the Press Enterprise that Quintanar once authorities arrived he was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Edgar Gomez, another friend, said that Quintanar "had friends all over the place...He could go anywhere without having to look over his shoulder."
So far the only information regarding the suspect is that he is male. Police also believe there were more witnesses in and around the parking lot at the time, who are asked to call either call Detective Mike O'Boyle at 951-353-7213 or Detective Dan Smith at 951-353-7103.
