A story for every victim

Pedro Hernandez, 19 [Updated]

Pedro Hernandez (2010-06-26)

Pedro Hernandez, a 19-year-old Latino man, was shot and killed Saturday, June 26, in the 400 block of South Locust Avenue in Compton, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Hernandez was at a party in a vacant house about 11:15 p.m. when he got into an argument with another person, said Det. Marcelo Quintero, who is handling the investigation for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's homicide bureau.

Authorities believe Hernandez had consumed NOS, or nitrous oxide, and was acting erratically, Quintero said.

During the argument, a third person intervened and shot Hernandez in the head, Quintero said. Authorities were called and Hernandez was pronounced dead at the scene, according to coroner's records.

Investigators are hoping to make an arrest in connection with the case sometime this week. Once additional details become available, The Times will provide an update to the post.

Anyone with information about Hernandez's death is asked to contact Quintero at (323) 890-5500.

[Updated July 9: On June 29, authorities arrested Adan Lazcano of Lynwood, an 18-year-old Latino man, in connection with Hernandez’s death. He has been charged with murder, Quintero said. 

Lazcano fled the scene after the shooting, but witnesses identified him to investigators. He is not a gang member, Quintero said.

According to the sheriff's inmate information website, Lazcano's next court appearance is scheduled July 20 in Compton Superior Court.]

— Sarah Ardalani

Share a memory or thought about Pedro Hernandez

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

55 reader comments