A story for every victim

Jeremiah Eli Bonilla, 22

Jeremiah Eli Bonilla, a 22-year-old Latino, was shot and killed Wednesday, July 6, in the alley behind the 4000 block of Randolph Street in Bell, near Riverside Avenue, according to authorities. 

Witnesses reported that Bonilla was sitting in his car in the alley about 3:15 a.m. when a person on a bicycle approached him. Bonilla's car suddenly accelerated, driving through the door of a detached garage, said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Sgt. Bill Cotter.

Bell Police officers were called because of the noise from the crash, Cotter said. When they arrived, they found Bonilla sitting in the front seat with a gunshot wound to his chest. 

Bonilla was pronounced dead at the scene at 3:31 a.m., according to coroner’s records. He died just a few blocks from his home, Cotter said. 

A person was seen leaving the area on a bicycle after the shooting, Cotter said, but it’s not clear if that person was involved. 

The shooting is being investigated by the Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau. Anyone with information is asked to call (323) 890-5500. Those wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.  

Contact the Homicide Report. Follow @latimeshomicide on Twitter.

Share a memory or thought about Jeremiah Eli Bonilla

Before you post, here are some answers to frequently asked questions:

Remember, all posts are approved by a Times staffer. Profanity and personal attacks will not be approved.

  Required
  Required

Seven reader comments