Eliseo “Cheo” Sandoval Valverde, 17, was one of two people killed after a volley of gunfire in the south parking lot of Don Knabe Community Regional Park in Cerritos in the early morning hours of August 31, 2025. Witnesses told investigators several vehicles were gathered around 2:30 a.m. when roughly 20 to 25 shots erupted; cars then sped away and the scene was left strewn with shell casings. Deputies found no victims on arrival, and word came soon after that two gunshot victims had been taken by others to a nearby hospital. Both victims, including Valverde, were pronounced dead.

Officials said numerous shell casings were recovered and that detectives are reviewing security footage and community tips. The other fatality was identified as 21-year-old José Téllez. Early statements noted suspects fled the scene and no arrests had been announced; investigators had not released a motive and the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau continued to investigate. If anyone was at the park that night or has information about the vehicles or people who fled, please share what was seen or recorded.