Fugitive Charged in Lancaster Gang Slaying

A murder charge was filed Tuesday against a 15-year-old Sylmar gang member sought in connection with the Antelope Valley’s first student gang slaying, which left an 18-year-old high school soccer player dead, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reported Tuesday.

Christopher Sanford of Lancaster died Jan. 6 after he was shot at a party in Lancaster. Sheldon Culver, 21, of Lancaster was shot in the neck in the same incident. The Sylmar youth was charged with the attempted murder of Culver, Deputy Rafael Estrada said.

Authorities obtained a warrant for the arrest after they uncovered information that identified the youth as a suspect, Estrada said. He remained a fugitive Tuesday evening.

Sanford, who was not a gang member, was struck in the right eye by a stray bullet fired by the 15-year-old, officials said. The boy was firing at party-goers who had chased him into the street after he shot Culver during a confrontation, Estrada said. Sanford was not chasing the gunman, deputies said.