14-year-old boy is arrested on suspicion of killing a man at Fontana park
A 14-year-old boy was arrested Thursday on suspicion of fatally shooting a man during a confrontation at a Fontana park, authorities said.
The boy’s name was not released because of his age, but Fontana police Sgt. Kevin Goltara said he was a known gang member who was with a group of teens in the park at the time of the shooting.
About 7 p.m. Tuesday, two men were playing cards at Veterans Park when they were confronted by the group of teens, police said.
Both men were shot, police said.
“They were playing cards when some guys and a girl came up … and asked for some change,” Roso Gutierrez, the daughter-in-law of one of the victims, told KABC-TV.
“Then out of nowhere they just pulled out a gun.”
Gutierrez’s father-in-law was hospitalized. His friend, Hermogenes Padilla, 61, died of his gunshot wounds.
Investigators said the four teens range in age from 13 to 15.
Of those, only the 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder. A 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of a probation violation.
Police questioned the two other teens but released them. Investigators said they are still trying to identify other people who were in the park when the men were shot.
Padilla’s son launched an online campaign to raise funds for his funeral.
“He was the best father and friend anyone could ask for,” Evert Padilla wrote.
“He leaves behind his wife, two sons, a daughter and his granddaughter…. We wish we had more time with him. He was loving, caring and generous.”
Police said the investigation into the shooting was ongoing, and anyone with information was asked to contact Fontana police at (909) 350-7700.
Twitter: @MattHjourno.
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.
