The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors has extended a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Oscar Palazuelos, a suspect implicated in the 2020 murder of 26-year-old Army veteran Ismael Zabala. In an announcement provided to AV Press, Zabala was shot at his cousin’s birthday party while in front of his family in Lancaster. His brother, Charlie Zabala, received injuries from gunfire but survived the ordeal. Supervisor Kathryn Barger described the tragedy as unconscionable, especially since it occurred in front of Zabala's family.
It is unclear whether Palazuelos is aware of the reward, but authorities believe he knows he is wanted and has likely gone into hiding, as mentioned in a motion obtained by LA County government documents. Interestingly, the Board had previously established the reward in June 2021, and despite the cause finding traction with numerous extensions, Palazuelos has evaded capture to this point. The reward has been continuously extended, demonstrating the Board's dedication to securing justice for the Zabala family, now grieving for almost four years since Ismael’s untimely demise.
Ismael Zabala, honorably discharged from the United States Army after sustaining an injury during training, died from a single gunshot wound to the upper torso after escorting the party crashers out, according to a report by KTLA. Ervin Alvarez, the other suspect identified in the murder, has been arrested, but Palazuelos continues to elude law enforcement. Investigators insist on the need for the extended reward in the hope that it encourages witnesses to come forward, potentially shifting the tides in the ongoing investigation.
"Nearly four years have passed since Ismael’s life tragically ended and his loved ones continue to feel the terrible pain of his loss," said Barger. The victim’s father, Alex Zabala, reflected on his son's zest for the party that night in an interview obtained by the Los Angeles Times, recounting how Ismael "couldn’t wait for that day" and was "inviting everyone he could." Information on the case can be relayed to the LASD’s Homicide Bureau or anonymously through the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers.
