Ismael Lazaro Galarraga-Brown, 17

June 22, 2015

Ismael Lazaro Galarraga-Brown, a 17-year-old black teenager, was shot and killed Sunday, June 21 in the 1800 block of West 43rd Street in Vermont Square, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records.

About 11:12 p.m., Galarraga-Brown was trying to get into the backseat of a vehicle when a dark-colored sedan pulled up and a man opened fire, LAPD Det. Dave Garrido said. Galarraga-Brown was with two other people who were not injured.

Galarraga-Brown was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:24 p.m., said Ed Winter, assistant chief of investigations for the coroner’s office.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Criminal Gang Homicide Division at (323) 786-5110. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Nicole Santa Cruz

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Seven reader comments

This is truly a tragedy, and must have been a case of mistaken identity. Ismael's father, Lazaro Galarraga, is one of the greatest Afro-Cuban musicians our country has been lucky to receive. He is a true bearer of Afro-Cuban culture, art, and spirituality, as are Ismael's older brother and sister (Afimaye and Marta).

I am so very sorry to learn of this, and I pray that the murderer of this young man will be swiftly caught and brought to justice. I also pray that the Afro-Cuban religious community, as well as the community of Latin Jazz musicians and Afro-Cuban Folkloric performance artists will come together to provide emotional support and succor to the Galarraga Family during this time of tremendous loss.

My prayers and love go out to Ismael's parents, brothers, sisters, and extended family in Cuba and Europe.

— T-D. Gonzalez June 23, 2015 at 11:16 a.m.