9:00am | The family of Jonathan Cordova gathered yesterday at the 15th & Stanley intersection where the teenager was shot and killed in January to plead for assistance in the search for the gunman. Police teams distributed fliers with contact information for anyone who can come forward with information from the fatal night.
Authorities say that the 18-year old Cordova was returning home from a party when a suspect approached him and opened fire, then ran eastbound on 15th Street followed by a white Honda missing at least one hubcap. Cordova died of his wounds a short time later.
Columba Garcia-Vasquez, Cordova’s mother, heard the gunshots outside.
“After the gunshots, she had a feeling that it might have been her son because he usually returns her calls and this time he didn’t,” said Detective Hector Cortes, translating for Garcia-Vasquez. “She hopes that all of this can be resolved and there won’t be any other mothers that have to go through what she’s going through.”
Police released surveillance photos of the alleged getaway car in hopes that someone will come forward with information about the driver, who they suspect is Hispanic or Puerto Rican. Cordova’s family has maintained that the teenager was not involved in gangs, but authorities aren’t so sure.
“We are looking at the fact that he may have been involved in gangs,” said LBPD Lieutenant Lloyd Cox. He added that witnesses may have key information that they may not even realize is helpful, and anyone who can help should contact Detectives Lash or Goodman at 562.570.7244.
“I know we can’t bring him back, but anything can help,” said a very emotional 22-year old Diana de la Riva, a cousin to Cordova. She said that the lack of closure has been difficult on the large family. “That’s the hardest part, I think, not knowing who it was. Especially for [Cordova’s mother].”
About twenty relatives, gathered around signs with photos of Cordova through the ages, consoled each other in the eerily quiet intersection as cars rolled curiously past. Young children spread fliers and shared stories about a young man they said was playful and kind-hearted.
Cordova’s mother is consoled by family members near the memorial where he was killed in January.
“If there’s anybody that knows anything that can help us… he was such a sweet guy,” said Diana de la Riva, cousin to the victim.
Lt. Lloyd Cox addresses the media with the grieving Cordova family standing at the intersection where the teenager was killed.
The phrase “God Only Takes The Best” adorned this poster in remembrance of Cordova.