Adalberto Salcedo III, a 15-year-old resident of Carson, California, was tragically shot and killed on October 17, 2015. The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. while Salcedo was walking with a female friend near the intersection of Avalon Boulevard and East Sepulveda Boulevard. According to reports, a silver or white four-door vehicle approached them, and two black males wearing hoodies exited the car and shot Salcedo multiple times.
The assailants then fled the scene, driving east on Sepulveda Boulevard. Salcedo was pronounced dead at the scene at 4:54 p.m., while his companion was unharmed. Investigators initially did not determine if the shooting was gang-related but believed that Salcedo had been specifically targeted.
The investigation into Salcedo's murder led to significant developments over the following years. In September 2019, Taniela Fonoifua, a gang member, was sentenced to 150 years to life in state prison for his involvement in multiple shootings, including the murder of Adalberto Salcedo III. Fonoifua was found guilty of the October 17, 2015, killing of Salcedo, as well as the murder of Sheila Gomez in Lennox on October 6, 2015. Additionally, he was convicted of two counts of attempted murder and possession of a firearm by a felon. The jury determined that Fonoifua had personally discharged a firearm during each of the crimes.
The trial revealed that Fonoifua was part of a violent street gang primarily composed of Pacific Islanders. The gang was responsible for a series of shootings in Carson, Lennox, and Gardena. Alongside Fonoifua, several co-defendants were also convicted and sentenced to lengthy prison terms for their roles in related crimes. These included Otoniel Ventura-Leon, Samisoni Ilifeleti Lauaki, Calvin Leonard Tonga, Lebanon Fifita, and Fonuamana Ofeina Fuahala. The gang's activities were described as ruthless, with members going out "hunting" for victims.
The sentencing of Fonoifua and his co-defendants marked a significant step in addressing gang violence in the region. The case highlighted the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and the judicial system to bring justice to the victims and their families. Despite the convictions, the impact of Salcedo's death continues to be felt by his loved ones and the Carson community.
