Ery Isaac Valdez Jr., 15

Ery Valdez Jr., a 15-year-old Latino, was shot and killed Thursday, May 5, near Senator Avenue and 254th Street in Harbor City, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Ery was shot about 11:55 p.m. in an alley after a verbal dispute with one or more people. He was able to run but collapsed two blocks away, police said.

Paramedics were called, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Coroner's records show Ery was shot several times in his torso, right arm and right leg.

“He didn’t deserve this,” Kathy Valdez, 17, the victim’s sister, said in a telephone interview. “No matter for what reason, he didn’t deserve this.”

Kathy Valdez said her brother attended Cooper High School and described him as an honest young man who “wasn’t in a gang of any kind.”

“He was a sweet guy,” Kathy Valdez said. “He cared for his family and friends.”

There are no details available of the killer, who fled, authorities said.

Minerva Valdez, the victim’s mother, was too distraught to talk, according to Kathy Valdez.

“My mother is heartbroken,” Valdez said. “That was her little boy, her little man. We don’t have a man around. He was the man of the house.”

Anyone with information about the killing is asked to call LAPD West Valley area homicide detectives at (818) 374-7720. Tipsters who would like to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (800) 222-8477.

-- Mike Anton and Ann Simmons