Volunteer at violence-prevention event shot and killed on sidewalk outside venue in Wilmington

WILMINGTON, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A volunteer at the "Summer Night Lights" event in Wilmington that was intended to prevent violence was shot and killed just a few yards away from the venue, Los Angeles police said.

The shooting was reported about 10 p.m. at Will Hall Park in the 300 block of Neptune Avenue, according to the LAPD.

Jose Quezada, a 46-year-old man from Carson, has been identified as the victim killed. Police say he had no criminal history or gang ties and was a pillar of the community.

"I actually had the opportunity to meet him last night and shake this gentleman's hands about 90 minutes before this incident occurred. And from all accounts from people within the community was that he was just a pillar of the community. Someone that we love to have in the community and someone who was out here volunteering his time to make his community better. And to have that ripped away by what we believe to be gang-related violence is just very tragic," said Capt. Brent McGuyre of the LAPD.

A volunteer at the "Summer Night Lights" event in Wilmington that was intended to prevent violence was shot and killed just a few yards away from the venue, Los Angeles police said.

Quezada is survived by his wife and three sons. His family says he would always give to the community.

"Everybody who asked me about him they can't believe it because they're like 'Why him?' He was always so dedicated with the community," said Jose's brother Juan Quezada.

"People who were victims of the same thing that just happened to him, he was always having fundraisers for their families and helping them," friend Mike Herrera said. "Not just gang violence, but maybe a car wreck or someone who died of cancer - he always led the groups that helped raise money."

L.A. City Councilmember Tim McOsker said that Quezada was helping barbecue for the families that attended the event at the Wilmington Recreation Center.

"Summer Night Lights works to build trust and offer fun, positive programming to communities impacted by violence by making the public spaces safe and full of our neighbors. Horrific acts like this attempt to break that safety and community apart but we won't let it," McOsker said in a statement.

And L.A. Mayor Karen Bass issued a statement on the shooting as well, saying, in part: ""Last night a dedicated Wilmington Community member and someone who has volunteered with Summer Night Lights to uplift his community was killed in a horrific act of violence. This community leader lost his life to the very type of violence he was working so hard to prevent. I join his loved ones in grieving his loss."

The shooting took place on the sidewalk outside the event space once it had ended. McGuyre said a number of community volunteers walked to the corner on the sidewalk, when they were confronted by the two suspects. For an unknown, reason the suspects shot multiple rounds in Quezada's direction.

A man was shot and killed near an evening event in Wilmington that was intended to prevent violence, Los Angeles police said.

The suspects then ran away on foot.

Summer Night Lights events are organized by the mayor's Office of Gang Reduction and Youth Development. They are described on the GRYD's website as creating "safe environments during the peak times for gang related violence. This is accomplished by providing free meals, extended programming and sports leagues, along with safe space for recreation, community engagement, employment opportunities, and linkages to local resources."

A GoFundMe account has been made to help Quezada's family pay for funeral expenses.