Slain Woman’s Parents Ask Killer to Step Forward

The parents of a 20-year-old Glendale Community College student who was killed by gunfire implored her killer Thursday to turn himself in to authorities.

Teresa Del Rio wanted to become a psychologist to help troubled youths, said her parents, Fernando and Anna Del Rio.

During a news conference, the couple sent a message to the gunman.

“You’ve destroyed our lives,” said Anna at the Rampart station of the Los Angeles Police Department in the Westlake area. “Before you take another family member’s life, think about what you’re doing, because there’s one person you’re going to have to answer to, and that’s God.”

On June 6, at about 10:30 p.m., Del Rio was dropping off a girlfriend and two other people at a Silverlake party, said LAPD Det. Andy Cicoria. As Del Rio’s car approached Clinton Street, they noticed a man walking northbound on Commonwealth Avenue.

The man pulled out a gun and began shooting at Del Rio’s sedan, Cicoria said. A bullet penetrated a side door and struck Del Rio. She died later at Queen of Angels Hospital.

The victim grew up in Eagle Rock, where she danced in the local ballet folklorico during community events, said her father, a media consultant who worked for many years in television public affairs.

The motive for the killing is under investigation, Cicoria said. A $10,000 reward has been posted for information leading to the arrest of Roberto Franklin Ramirez, who was described as a local gang member. Ramirez is also wanted for questioning in a Hollywood homicide. Anyone with information regarding Del Rio’s death or Ramirez’s whereabouts is asked to call the LAPD’s Rampart station at (213) 207-2161.