Alejandro Sanchez-Torrez, 31

Alejandro Sanchez-Torrez, a 31-year-old Latino, was shot and killed Monday, Oct. 31, near 56th Street and Towne Avenue in Santa Clarita, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

The incident took place in the afternoon at a strip mall.

A man had arrived to sell a gaming system to several teenagers who then “changed their mind” and tried to steal the system, said Lt. Eddie Hernandez of the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department.

Sanchez-Torrez was a “passerby,” who saw the robbery unfolding and chose to intervene. He was shot, along with the man who was selling the system.

The two injured victims were taken to a hospital, where Sanchez-Torrez was pronounced dead. The robbery victim was treated for minor injuries.

“There was no indication [Sanchez-Torrez] knew anybody” in the altercation, Hernandez said.

The 17-year-old shooting suspect and two other boys are now in custody, officials said. Their names are being withheld because they are minors.

Anyone with additional information about the killing is asked to contact the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station at (661) 255-1121. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (800) 222-8477.

-- Los Angeles Times