Luis Rodriguez was 29 and worked as a metal worker in Del Aire, California. On June 12, 2007, at about 12:45 a.m., he was shot and killed outside 4936 W. 132nd Street in Hawthorne after parking his car and preparing to enter his home. Deputies who responded to a shots fired call found his body at the scene.

Investigators determined the killing was gang-related. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department arrested multiple suspects; one person, named in reports as Luis J. Rodriguez, was later convicted of first-degree murder. The prosecution presented gang expert and witness testimony, and the jury found true gang and weapons enhancement allegations tied to the crime. An appellate court later affirmed the conviction and the gang-enhancement findings.

The loss of Luis Rodriguez had a lasting impact on his family and community. If anyone knew him, saw activity near 4936 W. 132nd Street on the night of June 12, 2007, or has further information about the shooting, please come forward.