Help Sought in Finding Youth Charged in Slaying
Authorities are asking for the public’s help in finding a 19-year-old man from El Sereno who allegedly killed a 12-year-old while shooting at rival gang members.
Alvaro Luna Jara was charged with murder this week in the killing of Steven Morales, a Highland Park boy who was playing with other children when he was struck by a bullet that was intended for five to 10 rivals, Deputy Dist. Atty. Joseph Esposito said Thursday.
Steven and the children were in between Jara’s pickup and the intended targets, Esposito said.
On Aug. 29, Jara allegedly drove to Avenue 58 and fired two or three shots from a handgun, Esposito said.
Steven’s liver was donated to Lori House, a Moreno Valley woman who was on the verge of death. She was released from Loma Linda Medical Center Sept. 10.
Esposito said Jara is charged with one count of murder with the special circumstance of committing it during a drive-by shooting, and three counts of attempted murder.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at (213) 847-4271.
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