Melvin Ernesto Cortez-Ortega, 37

Melvin Ernesto Cortez-Ortega, a 37-year-old Latino, was shot and killed Sunday, Sept. 22, in the 8800 block of Washington Boulevard in Pico Rivera, according to L.A. County coroner’s records.

Cortez-Ortega was working as a valet at El Rodeo nightclub shortly after 2:30 a.m. when a man who had been kicked out earlier in the night returned and tried to get back into the bar, said Lt. John Corina with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

The man then went to his car, retrieved a gun and began shooting at people in front of the club, Corina said.

Cortez-Ortega and a 26-year-old security guard were struck.

Deputies arrived at the scene and chased down Sebastian Zazueta, 21, on foot, Corina said.

Zazueta was booked on suspicion of murder.

Cortez-Ortega was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 7:51 a.m., said Ed Winter, a spokesman with the coroner’s office.

Anyone with information can call the Sheriff’s Department homicide bureau at (323) 890-5500. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Nicole Santa Cruz and Ari Bloomekatz