FBI Seeks Suspect In 2005 Sylmar Killing Of Teen

Years after a teenage boy was gunned down while painting a friend's bicycle in front of his Sylmar home, federal agents say they are still hunting the man they believe pulled the trigger. The FBI’s Los Angeles field office has put out a fresh wanted alert for Manuel Virgen‑Galvan and is offering up to $20,000 for information that leads to his arrest.

What the FBI says

According to the FBI, Virgen‑Galvan is wanted on a federal arrest warrant charging unlawful flight to avoid prosecution in a murder. Investigators say the shooting happened on June 29, 2005, when a 14‑year‑old boy was painting a friend's bicycle outside his Sylmar home.

The federal wanted poster lists several aliases and two dates of birth associated with Virgen‑Galvan. He is described as about 5 feet 9 inches tall and 165 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. The notice also says he is missing a front tooth and may have ties to Mexico.

Victim and case history

City records identify the victim as Ramiro Guardado, described as a teenager in official documents, according to Los Angeles City Council files.

An LAPD news release issued in 2005 described the shooting near Astoria Street and Bradley Avenue and noted that detectives had followed local leads and offered rewards as they tried to solve the case, per the LAPD. State and local warrants were issued that year as homicide investigators worked the case, and federal prosecutors later sought a federal arrest warrant after authorities say Virgen‑Galvan left the jurisdiction.

How to help

The FBI says it is offering up to $20,000 for tips that result in Virgen‑Galvan's arrest. Information can be reported by calling 1‑800‑CALL‑FBI or by submitting a tip online through the FBI portal. The Los Angeles field office has also highlighted the renewed search in a post on X. For the image and summary shared by the local office, see the post from FBI Los Angeles on the platform.

Legal note

Virgen‑Galvan was charged with murder in Los Angeles County, and a state arrest warrant was issued in July 2005. A federal arrest warrant on the unlawful flight to avoid prosecution charge followed in January 2006. The FBI cautions that he should be considered armed, dangerous and an escape risk as investigators continue to seek tips and leads.