Francisco Javier Salazar Jr., 15

Francisco Javier Salazar, a 15-year-old Latino, was found dead Wednesday, Feb. 17, after he was shot in the 2100 block of Long Beach Boulevard in Compton, according to Los Angeles County coroners records. 

Salazar’s body was discovered at 12:02 a.m. when a patrol deputy went to investigate a 1993 grey Nissan Sentra that was parked in a long driveway, said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Lt. Steve Jauch. 

The boy, who was found alone in the front passenger seat, had a gunshot wound to the neck, according to coroner's records. There was broken glass around the car, Jauch said, but investigators aren’t sure whether he was shot from inside or outside.

There’s no indication the car was stolen, Jauch said, but he wouldn’t say who owned the car.

The area where Salazar was found is commercial, surrounded by boarded-up businesses and a few small shops. No one reported hearing gunshots in the area, but investigators believe Salazar was shot within 24 hours of being found, Jauch said.

Salazar lived with his mother in Lynwood, less than two miles from where he was killed, Jauch said. He was a middle school student in Lynwood Unified School District, but district officials said they wouldn't confirm which school he attended.

“Our school community is mourning the tragic death of one of our students," Supt. Paul Gothold said in a statement released by the district. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones as they cope with this devastating loss. We are providing grief counseling for our students and staff during this difficult time. Out of respect for the privacy of his family, we cannot provide any further information.”

Jauch said Salazar's family filed a missing person report the same morning investigators were trying to determine his identity.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Those wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.  

Contact the Homicide Report. Follow @latimeshomicide on Twitter.