A teenage boy was shot and killed outside of a recreation center in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, California, making it the third child that has been shot in the last 24 hours, and the second death.
The call came in at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 7, and when authorities arrived, the teen was declared dead at the scene outside the Evergreen Recreation Center in the 2800 block of East First Street near Savannah Street.
Police have one person in custody and recovered the possible weapon but are searching for a second suspect.
“We think we have someone in custody,” said Los Angeles Police Department German Hurtado. “I don’t know if they knew each other or there was an argument but there was some sort of discussion then the shooting.”
A video shared online shows the victim’s family arriving at the scene. A man and a woman are seen pushing against police officers trying to stop them from going near the body. They then fall to the floor, crying.
“I just got a call from work that he was shot,” said Laura Gelvin, the victim’s aunt. “He was a student down the street as well.”
According to LAUSD, the teenager was a student at nearby Roosevelt High School.
“It is with deep sadness that I am calling to inform you of the death of one of our students,” wrote principal Ben Gertner. “Our sincere condolences go out to the student’s family, friends and teachers.”
Gertner added that the school will be open with additional police and safety measures. Crisis counselors will be available for students and staff members.
“I want to reiterate that the safety of students and staff is my highest priority,” wrote Gertner. “Our thoughts rest with the victim and their family.”
The shooting comes less than 24 hours after a child was shot and killed while another child was injured.
On Monday, Dec. 6, a 12-year-old boy was shot and killed during an incident outside of Wilmington Park Elementary School. A 9-year-old girl was also shot and is still in the hospital.
Police continue investigating both incidents while the families plead for information on the murders.
Watch a video below.
