A story for every victim

Joe Alvarado, 22 [Update]

Joe Alvarado (2007-12-22)

 Joe Alvarado, 22, a Latino man, was shot multiple times while sitting in his car on Saturday, Dec. 22, at about 5 p.m. in the 800 block of Mines Avenue in Montebello. His friends took Alvarado to Beverly Hospital minutes after the shooting. He was transferred to County-USC Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 6:56 p.m.

Neighbors who knew Alvarado said he was happy, and funny.  "He had a heart that was just too big to crush," said Vanessa Dominguez, 16, hands over her heart. She called him by the nickname "JoJo." Neighbors said Alvarado worked as a repossession tow truck driver for his uncle. His plans were to save money, move in with his girlfriend and start a family, Vanessa said.

On the day of the shooting, Dominguez was upstairs. "I had my hands near my head when I suddenly felt warm," she said. "My hands started to shake and I had a feeling like something bad was about to happen. That's when I heard someone scream, 'They shot Joe!' "

[Updated June 20, 2012: Suspects arrested in cold-case Montebello gang murders]

-- Ruben Vives

Share a memory or thought about Joe Alvarado

Before you post, here are some answers to frequently asked questions:

Remember, all posts are approved by a Times staffer. Profanity and personal attacks will not be approved.

  Required
  Required

Two reader comments