Victim’s Parents Urge Gunman to Surrender

The parents of a 20-year-old community college student who was slain by gunfire implored the killer Thursday to stop being a threat to innocent people by turning himself in to authorities.

Teresa Del Rio, 20, was a Glendale College student who wanted to become a psychologist to help troubled youths, said Fernando and Anna Del Rio, the parents of the slain woman. During a news conference the couple sent a message to the gunman.

“You’ve destroyed our lives,” Anna Del Rio said at the Rampart police station 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, and that’s God.”

On June 6, about 10:30 p.m., Del Rio was dropping off a girlfriend and two other youths at a Silver Lake party, said Det. Andy Cicoria. As they approached Clinton Street, they noticed a man walking north on Commonwealth Avenue.

The man pulled out a firearm and began shooting at Del Rio’s sedan, Cicoria said. A bullet penetrated a side door, striking her. 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 is described as a local gang member. He is also wanted for questioning in a Hollywood homicide. Anyone with information regarding Del Rio’s killing or Ramirez’s whereabouts is asked to call (213) 207-2161.