A story for every victim

Josimar Rojas, 26

Josimar Rojas, a 26-year-old Latino, was fatally shot Wednesday, Oct. 24, in the 8700 block of Cleta Street in Downey, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Rojas, who worked at United States Fire Protection, was one of three people shot and killed in a shooting rampage police say may have been linked to a botched car theft.

Downey police have arrested an ex-con and known gang member, Jade Douglas Harris, a 30-year-old-black man, and charged him with three counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder, in addition to other charges.

Prosecutors say they believe Harris came to the fire protection business in order to rob its owners of a 2010 Camaro they had listed for sale on Craigslist.

When he arrived, they say he brandished a gun and demanded the keys. When workers at the business could not provide the keys, Harris allegedly shot and killed Rojas and Irene Cardenas, a 35-year-ola Latina and shot and wounded another worker.

Harris is then charged with forcing Susana Perez-Ruelas, the sister-in-law of the business owner, to drive him back to her home to obtain the keys. There, Harris allegedly shot and killed her and shot and wounded her 13-year-old son.

The alleged assailant , who could face the death penalty if convicted, is due back in court Nov. 28.

Anyone with additional details about the shooting is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

--Wesley Lowery

Share a memory or thought about Josimar Rojas

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

15 reader comments