Two musicians came to where the shooting occurred to sing a song for the young victim. It was an outpouring of love and support for the family.
The shooting happened Sunday at about 1:20 a.m. on Vernon Avenue near Central Avenue. Police say Jessica Garcia and several of her friends had been to a family party. When Garcia's parents were late picking them up, they decided to walk home.
"Her group was targeted and she was shot," said LAPD Det. Leonardo McKenzie.
Police say the suspect came up from behind and surprised the group. At that moment, Jessica tried to intervene.
"They were approached by a group of male Hispanics. One of the males attempted to rob one of Jessica's friends. Jessica intervened and attempted to stop the robbery, at which point she was shot in the face," McKenzie said.
The suspect was described as a male Hispanic, 18 to 25 years old, about 5 feet 5 inches to 5 feet 7 inches, weighing about 120 pounds. He was last seen wearing a dark-hooded sweatshirt with dark pants.
Councilwoman Jan Perry's office authorized a $50,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest. Police are hoping the reward will lead them to the gunman.
Anyone with information is asked to call LAPD detectives at (877) LAPD-24-7.
