Esli Garay, 22

Oct. 12, 2014

Esli Garay, a 22-year-old Latino, was shot and killed Sunday, Oct. 12, in the 14600 block of Novice Street in Panorama City, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records.

About noon, Garay was shot as he stepped out of a tan or gold SUV, according to a news release from the Los Angeles Police Department. Police said that Garay was shot by another person who was in the SUV, which was driven by a Latina and had a child’s car seat in the back. It is possible that Garay knew the assailants.

The shooter is described as a Latino man in his 20s who has a medium build, short hair or shaved head. He could have been wearing blue jeans and a green shirt.

“It seems the victim had no idea what was happening,” said Lt. Paul Vernon in a statement.

Anyone with information is asked to call Mission Division Homicide Det. Efren Gutierrez at (818) 838-9948. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Nicole Santa Cruz

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13 reader comments

Esli big brother how much I really miss you , I miss you a lot cuz I know we’ll see eacother soon .Jehovah is awesome and he knows your a beautiful person inside & out and I know you will get an opportunity I know it !
It’s been 6 years since you’ve been gone man so much has happened dude its been tuff I wish you where here to give me advice I’ll always love you and I always think about you brother we grow up together haha always messing with destiny lmao me you Nyx ,Jerry and tini & josh too omg how time flies.. Playing videos games as kids .I have a lot of faith I know I’ll see you again and soon this world is crazy and I’m glad you can’t see all the horrible things that have happen ,things are just getting worse. I’m glad that one day I’ll be able to see you and hug you like my grandma and my 2 aunts and you bc all of you where beautiful people
Love you Esli
Sincerely your cuz
Chiquis
Fam for life 💗💗

— Chiquis May 27, 2020 at 11:26 p.m.

I loved Esli like a brother and he is an inspiration to everyone he ever encountered. He is at peace now and watches over all of his loved ones. The biggest heart and kindest soul I ever knew is now at rest at the side of God where he belongs. Let his memory and smile brighten your day, because that is all he would ever wish. He wouldn't want you to be sad about his death but be happy about his life. A guardian angel now stands by my side and I feel his presence guiding me everyday. Remember his one of a kind smile, loving presence and bold character. A man fearless in the face of adversity. My brother, I will always remember all we went through these last 16 years and I will never forget where we come from. My best friend, I will live in your memory and I won't let you down, I will make you proud.
Peace and love to all, stop the violence

— Michael Gutierrez Nov. 8, 2014 at 1:15 a.m.

I know,
your pain is only doubled by the fact that you struggle with feelings of guilt. Guilt because your inattentiveness as a parent contributed to the death of your child or your child's inability to live a good life contributed to his death. How wrong you of you to write that your pain is worst because yours was taken from you one way as opposed to another. A loved one killed by a speeding car or driven by a drunk driver is not any easier to get over. As one parent to another I found that statement offensive. My six year old was sitting in the back seat of a car when someone ran into the back of that car....crushing her. I reached around my seat to touch her hand and as I did she let out one last breath. My daughter was killed and I was stuck in the front seat unable to move except my arm. Later on I was told that the funeral director recommended a closed casket because her facial injuries were too severe to cover up. I never saw my little girl again. I never got to hold her. It has been 15 years since that date and the pain is still as strong today as it was 15 years ago. So don't tell me my loss was insignificant you have no idea what you speak of.

— A mother too Nov. 5, 2014 at 7:42 a.m.

Agreed, the death of a loved one, especially one's child, is painful, painful, painful. No form of loss is harder or easier to bear. I pray we can all find compassion for one another and learn to trust God in our grief... To the family and friends of Esli Garay, I did not know him, but from reading and hearing about him and from seeing his pictures, I can feel that he was a special individual, deeply loved and indeed taken too soon. Although nothing will remove the grief his death has caused, I know he is in the light and warmth of our Father. I hope that his killers are brought to justice. They have sinned against God Himself with their selfishness, iniquity and cowardice. By remaining strong in faith through this trying time, to the family and friends of Esli Garay: God will reward you for your resilience. God Bless you. My heart and prayers go out to you.

— Survivor Nov. 4, 2014 at 2:33 a.m.