Boy, 11, Shot While Walking With Friends
An 11-year-old Lynwood boy was in critical condition Monday with a gunshot wound to the head.
Police said Phillip Talalima was shot Saturday night as he, his brother and three teenage friends walked along a Santa Ana street about 10:30 p.m. on their way to a fast-food restaurant.
“We have no suspects, no motive,” said Santa Ana Police Sgt. Raul Luna. “It’s baffling.”
The group had stopped in front of a residence about 10:30 p.m. to look at two bicycles. A neighbor who apparently thought the boys were trying to steal the bikes came out shouting at them. The startled boys ran in separate directions, and witnesses then heard four or five gunshots, Luna said.
Several shell casings were found in the street, but investigators have not established if the shots were fired by someone on foot, in a vehicle or from a residence, Luna said.
Witnesses, including the neighbor who came out yelling, have been interviewed, police said, but no suspects have been identified. The other boys were questioned and released, Luna said. He added that Phillip, who is about 6 feet tall, could have been mistaken for an adult.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
