Juan Carillo Ortiz, 18

Juan Carillo Ortiz, an 18-year-old Latino, was shot and killed Saturday, Nov. 19, at the southwest corner of East Cesar E. Chavez Avenue and Carmelita Avenue in East Los Angeles, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records. 

Ortiz and two other men were standing in the parking lot in front of K’s Jr. Market at 4106 East Cesar E. Chavez Avenue about 5:56 p.m., when someone began shooting in their direction, said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Sgt. Bill Cotter.

“This one is a real mystery because nobody saw anything,” Cotter said. “People heard gunshots and saw the victims afterwards, but there is no suspect description, no direction, no anything.”

Ortiz was struck multiple times by gunfire, Cotter said. He was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead at 6:35 p.m., according to coroner’s records. 

The other men, ages 19 and 66, were also struck by gunfire, but they are expected to survive, Cotter said. 

All of the victims lived in the area and were hanging out in front of the store, which is across the street from Esteban E. Torres High School. 

“It’s a popular place for people to hang out,” Cotter said. “People are out there all the time.”

Investigators believe the shooting may be gang related, Cotter said. 

A fundraising account has been set up to help Ortiz's family, who live near where he was shot.

Anyone with information is asked to contact 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.