LOS ANGELES (AP) – Two men from San Pedro have been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the July shooting death of a volunteer with Los Angeles’ Summer Night Lights program at a recreation center.
Jose Quezada, a 46-year-old Carson resident, was fatally shot on July 27 during a Summer Night Lights event at the Wilmington Recreation Center in the 300 block of North Neptune Avenue. Quezada was volunteering as a cook at the event, part of a program at more than 40 Los Angeles area parks and recreation centers to promote anti-gang violence and turn them into safe havens for families.
The Los Angeles Police Department identified the suspects as Sergio Esteban, 28, and Estevan Hernandez, 27. Esteban was charged in December after his arrest earlier that month. Hernandez was charged with murder in December but was not apprehended until January 31 in Mexico with the help of the LAPD and FBI Fugitive Task Force. He was then turned over to the task force on February 1 and booked on suspicion of murder by the LAPD.
Quezada had stepped away from the event when he was shot. Details about a motive in the shooting were not available. Witnesses said two men were seen running away from the scene.
An intersection near the location of the shooting was dedicated to Quezada, who was a husband, father, coach, and mentor. Councilman Tim McOsker wrote in the motion to designate the intersection as Jose Quezada Memorial Square.
Quezada is survived by his wife and two sons. Esteban was being held on $2 million bail, while Hernandez was being held on $3 million bail. It was not immediately clear whether the men have attorneys.