By Los Angeles County Politics (LACP)
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger and Janice Hahn this week announced rewards for two unresolved cold case homicides.
In the first crime, Barger renewed a $75,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for the tragic 2016 murder of four-year-old Salvador “Chavita” Esparza III.
“This is a plea to the public,” said Barger. “Nine years ago, this innocent child’s life was stolen in a senseless act of violence. Someone knows what happened–and even the smallest tip could be the key to justice. I implore anyone with information to come forward and help us bring closure to the Esparza family.”
On the evening of July 5, 2016, young Salvador was fatally shot while standing on the front porch of a relative’s home in Altadena. The shooter has never been identified. Despite ongoing efforts by law enforcement, the case remains unsolved.
Supervisor Barger’s decision to renew the reward is a renewed call for leads and a reflection of her continued commitment to seeking justice for the Esparza family.
Pasadena Mayor Victor M. Gordo echoed the urgency for public involvement.
“Salvador ‘Chavita’ Esparza’s life was needlessly cut short at just 4 years old,” said Gordo. “We must not forget this innocent child. I want to emphasize that the community’s help is vital. Supervisor Barger’s leadership in renewing the reward reinforces our shared commitment to accountability and justice.”
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Division continues to actively investigate the case. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Adam Kirste or Sergeant John Aanarial at (323) 890-5500. Assistance is available in multiple languages, including Spanish.
In the second case, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion by Hahn to establish the County’s $20,000 reward for information leading to the apprehension and/or conviction of the person or persons responsible for the September 27, 2024, hit and run death of 42-year-old Elijah Long in the City of Lynwood.
At approximately 9:20 am, Long was riding his motorcycle northbound on Atlantic Avenue when a silver/light blue Toyota sedan driving southbound on Atlantic Avenue made a left turn onto Arlington Avenue in front of Long, causing him to collide into the Toyota sedan.
“Anyone careless and cruel enough to leave the scene after a deadly crash in broad daylight does not belong behind the wheel of a car,” said Hahn. “Elijah’s death has left his dad and siblings shattered. We need the public’s help to identify this driver and bring them to justice.”
The suspect driving the silver/light blue Toyota sedan fled the scene traveling eastbound on Arlington Avenue. Long was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Sheriff’s Department Century Station Traffic Investigator Detective Conner Eitner at (323) 568-4796.
In both incidents, anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or visiting lacrimestoppers.org.
