A story for every victim

Daniel David Cortez, 15

Daniel David Cortez, a 15-year-old Latino, was shot and killed Monday, Feb. 25, in the 2200 block of South Budlong Avenue in Adams-Normandie, according to Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s records.

Daniel was walking home from school when he was shot about 3:45 p.m., said Los Angeles Police Officer Jonathan Kincaid.

Kincaid declined to specify whether a gunman got out of a vehicle or walked up to Daniel and shot him.

Daniel was a ninth-grade student at West Adams Preparatory High School, according to police and staff at the school.

Derick Rivera, an 18-year-old Latino, has been charged with one count of murder with gun allegations, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office.

Police declined to state why Daniel may have been targeted, but said the killing was not gang related. 

Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at (323) 786-5111. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

Contact the Homicide Report. Follow @nicolesantacruz and @latimeshomicide on Twitter.

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