Two Men Charged in Fatal Shooting of Volunteer at Los Angeles "Summer Night Lights" Event

Two men have been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of a volunteer at a Los Angeles community event last summer. Jose Quezada was gunned down while he participated in the "Summer Night Lights" program, a gathering aimed to promote peace and curb violence in Wilmington. The slaying cut short the life of Quezada amidst an initiative that sought to brightly illuminate the darkest corners of the community.

The Los Angeles Police Department's South Bureau Homicide detectives worked relentlessly to piece together the events that led to the tragic evening of July 27th, 2023. Their investigation has pointedly identified two suspects: 28-year-old Sergio Esteban of San Pedro, and Estevan Hernandez, 27, also a San Pedro resident, according to a news release from the Los Angeles Police Department. Esteban, who was arrested in December and is currently held on $2,010,000.00 bail, will now have to face the legal reckoning for his alleged role in the homicide.

Charges against the second suspect, Hernandez, were filed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office on December 18th, 2023. After a comprehensive manhunt extending across borders, Hernandez was located and arrested in Mexico with the aid of the LAPD-FBI Fugitive Task Force. He was successfully extradited to Los Angeles and is being held on $3,000,000.00 bail.

The community is still to fully recover from the shock of the brutal act that occurred at a place and during an event designed to radiate safety and solidarity. Both suspects are now awaiting their days in court, with the hope from the community that justice can help mend to some extent the fabric torn by violence. The Los Angeles Police Department remains vigilant and has encouraged anyone with additional insights into the case to step forward. Those wishing to provide anonymous information may reach out to LA Regional Crime Stoppers at their website or through the "P3 Tips" mobile application.