LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – Tragedy struck Exposition Park as two brothers fell victim to a fatal shooting near the L.A. Memorial Coliseum on Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred at approximately 2 p.m. at the intersection of Budlong Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.
Authorities identified the victims as 33-year-old Sergio Rios Jr. and his 19-year-old brother Ricardo Rios. The brothers were sitting inside a vehicle on Browning Boulevard when an unidentified suspect approached and opened fire, resulting in the tragic loss of both siblings.
LAPD Captain Michael Lorenz revealed that the suspect engaged in a conversation with the victims before the shooting took place. Following the interaction, the suspect departed briefly, only to return and fire multiple rounds into the vehicle, fatally wounding Sergio and Ricardo.
Family members present at the scene were too overwhelmed with grief to provide any statements. Sergio Rios Jr., a father of twins, leaves behind a devastated community grappling with the senseless act of violence in their neighborhood.
While gun violence is unfortunately not uncommon in the area, residents expressed a deep desire for an end to the ongoing cycle of violence. The need for unity and support within the community was emphasized by Jonathan Smith, highlighting the importance of coming together to combat the prevailing hostility.
Detectives working on the case have ruled out gang affiliation in relation to the incident. However, the perpetrator remains at large, leaving authorities with limited information regarding their whereabouts. The suspect was reportedly seen driving a white Toyota or Lexus, further complicating the search for justice.
Law enforcement urges anyone with pertinent information to come forward and assist in the investigation, as the community seeks closure and justice for the untimely loss of Sergio and Ricardo Rios.