Boy Surrenders in High Desert’s First Gang-Related Slaying

A 15-year-old Sylmar boy, charged with murdering a high school soccer star in the Antelope Valley’s first gang-related slaying, turned himself in to authorities Monday, police said.

The youth walked up to the front desk of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Foothill Division station about noon and said he wanted to turn himself in, Lt. Bernard Conine said. He was transferred to the custody of Los Angeles County sheriff’s officials.

The boy allegedly shot and killed Christopher Sanford, 18, after wounding a man during a confrontation in Lancaster on Jan. 6, investigators said.

The boy reportedly shot at some party-goers who were chasing him on foot but missed and struck Sanford, who was leaving the party wearing his letterman’s jacket, authorities said.

Sanford, who was not a gang member, later died of a gunshot wound.

The wounded man, Sheldon Culver, 20, of Lancaster, was treated at Antelope Valley Hospital Medical Center for a gunshot wound to the neck and released.

Sheriff’s spokesman Dean Scoville said Monday the boy will be arraigned today in Sylmar Juvenile Court.

The boy, while still at large, was charged Jan. 16 with murdering Sanford and attempting to murder Culver. Sheriff’s investigators named him as a suspect after interviewing party-goers who witnessed the shooting, Scoville said.

Friends described Sanford as a likable youth who was a star goalie for the Antelope Valley High School soccer team.

Though gang activity has been increasing in the Antelope Valley in recent years, authorities said the shooting was the first gang-related killing in the area.