Child Slain in Shooting

By Sarah Harper

Published on January 20, 2009

Roberto Lopez, a four-year-old Echo Park resident, was killed in crossfire last Tuesday night. Although the investigation is in process, police suspect the shooting to be gang-related.

The child and his six-year-old sister had been walking from their residence to a nearby community center, where they and another sibling played every day. Meanwhile, according to police reports, four Hispanic men were nearby and began shooting at a passing vehicle. The vehicle escaped, but a bullet struck Roberto in the chest. When Roberto's grandfather heard the gunshots, he went outside, discovered Roberto in critical condition, and called paramedics. When Roberto reached the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, he was pronounced dead.

The shooting has caused grief in the Echo Park community among neighbors and family members alike.

Authorities have not released a suspect. Police are investigating the shooting and urging the public to come forward with any information on the crime.

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