Paul Anthony Martinez, 23

April 12, 2014

Paul Anthony Martinez, a 23-year-old Latino, was shot and killed Saturday, April 12, near East Beverly Boulevard and Pine Street in Pico Rivera, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records.

Martinez was in a small light-colored SUV at an intersection about 7 p.m. with two other men, said Lt. Dave Dolson with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Another vehicle pulled alongside Martinez’s vehicle and a person inside fired at the SUV, Dolson said.

Martinez’s SUV continued west on East Beverly Boulevard and crashed into a car at Poplar Avenue, Dolson said.

Martinez was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead at 7:50 p.m.

The other people in the vehicle were not injured.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Nicole Santa Cruz

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Seven reader comments

LETTER FROM HEAVEN
Here's some things I'd like to say,
but first of all to let you know
that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from Heaven
where I dwell with God above,
where there's no more tears,
or sadness, there is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy
just because I am out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you
every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you
when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me
and he said "I welcome you"!
It's good to have you back again
you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family,
they'll be here later on.
I need you here so badly,
as part of My big plan.
There is so much we have to do
to help our mortal man.
Then God gave me a list of things,
he wished for me to do.
And foremost on that list of mine
is to watch and care for you.
I will always be beside you
every day and week and year.
And when your sad,
I'm standing there
to wipe away the tear.
And when you lie in bed at night
the day's chores put to flight,
God and I are closest to you
in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth
and all those loving years,
because you're only human
they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry
it does relieve the pain.
Remember, there would be no flowers
unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you
of all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you,
you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain
though my life on Earth is over,
I am closer to you now
than I ever was before.
And to my very many friends,
trust God knows what is best.
I'm still not far away from you,
I'm just beyond the crest.
There are rocky roads ahead of you
and many hills to climb,
but together we can do it
taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy
and I'd like it for you too,
that as you gave unto the world,
so the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody
who is in sorrow or in pain.
Then you can say to God at night,
my day was not in vain.
And now I am contented
that my life. . . it was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along the way,
I made somebody smile.
So if you meet someone
who is down and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up
as on your way you go
When you are walking
down the street,
and I am on your mind,
I'm walking in your footsteps
only half a step behind.
And when you feel the gentle breeze
as the wind upon your face,
that's me giving you a great big hug,
or just a soft embrace.
And when it's time for you to go
from that body to be free.
Remember. . . you're not going,
you are coming here to me.
And I will always love you,
from that land way up above,
We'll be in touch again soon.

— D May 12, 2014 at 11:43 p.m.