Parents Turn in 17-Year-Old Suspect in Reseda Slaying

A 17-year-old boy believed to be the shooter in the killing earlier this month of a man mistaken for a gang member was turned in to authorities by his parents on Tuesday.

Los Angeles Police Det. Rick Swanston said the parents “did not want to have any part with a wanted fugitive.”

Two other suspects--Fernando Lara, 18, of Reseda, and Heber Escobar, 23, of Van Nuys--were arrested a few days after the Aug. 2 killing of Belisario Hernandez, 21, Swanston said.

The boy had fled to Mexico, but his parents persuaded him to return. They took him to the police station, according to authorities.

The killing occurred inside Hernandez’s Reseda home in the 7500 block of Canby Avenue, Swanston said. Earlier that evening, the three alleged assailants had been in a shootout with a rival gang nearby.

The three allegedly burst into Hernandez’s house, demanding to know what gang he belonged to. Hernandez reportedly denied being in a gang, but was shot numerous times by the 17-year-old, Swanston said. Hernandez died later at Northridge Hospital Medical Center.

Lara and Escobar have pleaded not guilty to murder charges and are being held at the Los Angeles County Jail, Swanston said. The boy is being held at San Fernando Juvenile Hall pending arraignment later this week.