Steve Fermin Cerda, an 18-year-old recent high school graduate, was tragically shot and killed on June 23, 2015, in Whittier, California. The incident occurred around 11:20 p.m. in the 6100 block of Norwalk Boulevard, near his home. Cerda was standing outside his apartment complex with a group of friends when an unidentified male suspect approached and began shooting at them. Cerda was struck multiple times and collapsed on the lawn in front of the complex.
Despite the presence of his friends, no one else was injured in the attack. Cerda was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:35 p.m.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department responded to the 9-1-1 call reporting the shooting. Investigators believe the incident was gang-related, although Cerda and his friends were not known to have any gang affiliations. It is suspected that the group may have been mistaken for a rival gang. Witnesses described the shooter as a Latino male who fled the scene on foot before driving off in a gray sedan. The suspect was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt at the time of the shooting.
Cerda had recently graduated from Pioneer High School and was planning to attend junior college. His mother had warned him about hanging out in front of the apartment complex, which was known to be frequented by local gang members. Despite her concerns, Cerda reassured her that he was just spending time with friends and would be home soon. Tragically, this decision led to his untimely death.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with Cerda's murder. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau continues to investigate the case, urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers. The community remains hopeful that justice will be served for Steve Fermin Cerda and his family.
