Jose Antonio Perez Cadena, 18

July 20, 2020

Jose Antonio Perez Cadena, a 18-year-old Latino male, died Tuesday, June 23, after being shot near 1077 Almond Court in Long Beach, according to Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner's records.

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38 reader comments

I love you and miss you Pelon you would always listen to me when something was wrong and you would cheer me up and help me forget about my problems you would always hug me tight and not let go until I hugged you back. I remember when you passed by my house on your bike and yelled my name and came up to me and I didn’t recognize you because you had your long hair And you told me “it’s pelon”.You would always come to my house after playing soccer and would hug me and rub your sweat on my face. I remember when we made a little birthday party at my house for you and you were so happy because you thought we had forgot about your birthday and you made all of us dance with you. I’ll always remember the memories we made . We miss you pelon 💙

— Jackiee delgadillo July 28, 2020 at 1:36 a.m.

Pelón was one of my closest cousins and was like a brother to me. We had so many memories together as young and older boys. He was a type of person that always wanted to have fun and wanted everybody to be happy. He was a caring and respectful person with an amazing personality. He always came to my house to come play and to sleep over when we were little. My parents always treated him like a son and my siblings and I treated him as a brother. He wasn’t in any gang related crime or a robbery. He was at the wrong place wrong time. he didn’t deserve what happened to him. You’re gone but never forgotten. We love you pelon always in our hearts. You will live on forever. LLJ I love you brotha 💙🙏🏼🕊 This is not a goodbye, it’s a see you later.

— Ramon Lopez July 27, 2020 at 7:59 p.m.

As a young kid I grew up with my cousin Pelon. He would always come over to hangout and have fun with my family and I. My parents treated him like a son and my siblings and I treated him as a brother. Not only did he create so many unforgettable memories with my family and I but he created amazing memories with other people. At such a young age he knew to respect, to care, and to be kind. Pelon was a man of dignity. He always put other peoples needs and feelings before his. His love for everyone was unconditional. His amazing personality and attitude as a kid reflected on who he was as a person when he got older. Unfortunately, his life was taken away due to the carless acts of others. It wasn't a gang related crime, or a robbery. He was not gang affiliated in general. We lost a son, brother, cousin, nephew, friend, uncle, grandson, and most importantly an extraordinary person who deserved the world. If I had the chance to see him and talk to him I would tell him how much I miss him and love him. He will continue to be loved and remembered by everyone he has greatly impacted. Pelon will always be in our hearts. Gone but to never be forgotten. We love you Pelon ❤︎

— Lila Cadena July 27, 2020 at 7:05 p.m.

Pelon man...where do I start? This kid was the heart of his family, only boy out of four kids so he felt he had to take care of his sisters and mom as a man should. He was just starting his life and it was taken from him within a second. Jose wasn’t a gang banger, he wasn’t a bad person, he was full of love and had a HUGE heart for his family...especially his mother. That women was his ROCK and vice versa. He had family that loved him, family he never knew he had that loved him, nieces and a nephew that loved him. It’s not right what happened to you Pelon and it never will feel the same with out you and your big smile. I miss you man I sincerely do...would look forward to seeing you when I would pick up your niece or I would ask your mom about you and how you were doing. I love you Pelon I’m thankful to have known such a smart, kind, funny youngin such as yourself. I’m grateful for the time you got to spend with me and your niece. She will always know her Tio Pelon, and I will always remember and miss my lil brother. Love you dawg. Till we meet again 💙 LLJ 🕊✨ JusticeForJose🙏🏼

— Juann July 27, 2020 at 3:08 p.m.

Pelon, as his close friends and family would call him, a loving friend, Uncle, Brother, Son, My cousin! Kind to every single person he came across, could light up an entire arena with his huge smile, his laugh, his jokes ! My cousin was NOT involved in any gangs, he was not affiliated, and most importantly was not a THEIF as previous articles have stated he was NOT a “cholo” don’t let the media fool you!! My cousin was such a sweet and precious soul gone way too soon l, loved by so many, we are left heart broken, a piece of us all has been taken away, without him we will never be the same. I want everyone reading this to cherish and Value every single second with your loved ones, be thankful for every single day, spread love and put an END to gun violence !!!!! LONG LIVE PELON FOR AS LONG AS I LIVE!! We miss him more and more every single day

— valerie Bermudez July 27, 2020 at 2:31 p.m.

My cousin José Antonio Perez was nothing short of a great human, someone who was always there for his sisters and making sure that everyone around him was good. You couldn’t help but love him and his energy. I was blessed enough to have seen him on my birthday and due to this horrible act committed by individuals who had no right to take a life I will not be able to give my cousin a hug on his birthday as he did for me. My family is not only struggling to accept this reality but we are struggling with the endless rumors and fake stories. My cousin was not affiliated with any gangs and had no ill intention on that horrible night. We wish for him to Rest In Peace and make sure that he is remembered as a loving and caring son, cousin, grandson, friend & uncle.

— Veronica Cadena July 27, 2020 at 2:26 p.m.