91 Freeway shooting in Anaheim: Father killed, motive unknown

Police say a man who was shot to death on the 91 Freeway in Anaheim on Monday night was killed in front of his son.

Agustin Villegas, 32, was the front passenger of a white Ford F-150 pickup when bullets shattered the windshield and struck him and the truck’s driver, Villegas’ 42-year-old cousin, on the westbound 91 Freeway near the 57 Freeway interchange at about 8 p.m. In the back seat were the men’s sons, ages 13 and 15.

The driver managed to steer the truck onto a gore point east of the La Palma Avenue overpass, stop and help his son call 911. By the time officers arrived, Villegas was dead, Anaheim police said.

The boys in the rear cab were not wounded in the shooting and Villegas’ cousin was rushed to UCI Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

Anaheim Police Lt. Bob Dunn said detectives still don’t know why the shooting occurred – there was no evidence it was the result of a road rage confrontation and Villegas has no criminal ties. He’s also the sole provider for his family, police said.

Witnesses reported a dark or black Honda Accord may be connected to the incident, but have no further details and noted that traffic along that stretch of the freeway is heavy at that time of night.

The shooting closed the westbound lanes for several hours as California Highway Patrol officers combed the road for evidence. All lanes were opened by 2:30 a.m. Tuesday, CHP officials said.

Anyone with information on the shooting was asked to call Orange County Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP-OCCS.

For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna.