An LASD official speaks at a press conference Wednesday morning about the fatal shooting of CSULB student Estephan Hernandez last September. The victim’s family and CSULB President Jane Close Conoley (pictured above) also spoke. Photos by Medina Kabir.

Authorities announced today a $10,000 reward to anyone with information on the murder of 21-year-old Cal State Long Beach student Estephan Hernandez who was fatally shot in Compton last September.

In a press conference held at CSULB this morning, authorities were joined by Hernandez’s family, CSULB President Jane Close Conoley and his former professor who spoke about the young man’s promising life.

“My life has changed completely,” said the victim’s mother, Lydia Gonzalez. “My son was very obedient and a great student. I am suffering… I want to tell the shooter to please turn himself in. It won’t make anything better, but I want justice.”

Estephan was attending Cal State Long Beach where he was an honor student, pursuing a degree in sociology. The victim was expected to graduate in May of 2018 and pursue a career as a social worker.

Kris Zentgraf, one of Hernandez’s professors and chair of the sociology department, said the victim was known as an excellent and hard working student. Hernandez was passionate about sociology and wanted to pursue a profession that would enable him to give back and help the community, he said.

Conoley offered her gratitude towards the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department and other officials working to solve this case.

“We remain saddened every day by this senseless tragedy, and I can speak on behalf of the entire Long Beach State community that we continue to mourn the loss of Estephan,” said Conoley. “He was a promising student who had his career life ahead of him, but was taken from him too soon. Knowing that murders of many young men in the community are difficult and impossible to solve, we really seek community involvement.”

Memorial Scheduled Friday for CSULB Student Killed in Compton Drive-by Shooting

On September 28, Hernandez was sitting in his car with his female friend at East 148th Street when a dark, four-door Sedan drove up to his car and shot at it several times, said Detective Mark Boisvert. The victim’s friend was struck by the gun fire but miraculously survived from her injuries. Hernandez was pronounced dead at the scene.

The suspect’s car fled westbound on 148th Street, out of view of the victim’s vehicle. Detectives working the investigation said there were no witnesses at the scene.Officials hope the reward will encourage anyone with information to come forward to help solve the case. This reward was sponsored by County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas and approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

“We don’t think this is a random act at all, we think Stephan was targeted,” said Detective Louie Aguilera. “He was around the corner from his house and in an area where there is no gang affiliation.”

Several theories are being considered at the moment that can’t be shared with the media yet, officials said.

Anyone with information is encouraged to Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling (800) 222-TIPS.