Esteban Bustamante, a 20-year-old Latino, was tragically shot and killed on June 20, 2017, in El Monte, California. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. at the intersection of Garvey Avenue and Durfee Avenue. Bustamante was riding in the backseat of a car with a juvenile male friend and two female friends in the front seats. As their car stopped at a red light, a gray compact sedan pulled up alongside them.
An argument ensued between Bustamante and a man in the other car, which was believed to be gang-related. The man exited his vehicle, approached Bustamante's car, and began shooting into the backseat, hitting both Bustamante and his friend. The gunman then fled the scene. Bustamante's friend survived the attack, but Bustamante succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. The cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds.
The investigation into Bustamante's death was handled by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Authorities considered the incident to be gang-related due to the nature of the argument that preceded the shooting. Despite efforts to gather information from the public, including calls for anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers, no immediate arrests were made following the incident. The case remained open as investigators continued to seek leads and gather evidence.
In the years following Bustamante's death, there were no significant updates reported regarding arrests or suspects in the case. The lack of new information and the challenges associated with gang-related crimes contributed to the difficulties in solving the case. The community and law enforcement continued to hope for breakthroughs that could lead to justice for Bustamante and his family. The case serves as a somber reminder of the impact of gang violence and the ongoing efforts needed to address such issues in communities.
