Three suspects have been booked for the murder of 21-year-old football scholarship student Gabriel Soto, who was shot dead in East L.A. by a gunman at a late-night party that occurred on May 25, 2013.
Police press conference with family members
L.A. County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau detectives arrested Jonathan Gonzalez, 28, Roque Solis, 30, and Anthony Gabriel, 25, after several tips led to the alleged killers. Their booking photos will not be released.
On break from attending Missouri’s Lincoln University, Gabriel and friends were gathered in an open garage behind a gated fence in the 600 block of South McDonnell Avenue.
Minutes before 3 a.m., what was originally described as a long dark-haired, 5’7”, 150 lb. Hispanic male walked onto the property and began shooting, hitting both Gabriel and another a local man before fleeing the party on foot. Gabriel was pronounced dead upon arrival at a local hospital; the other victim was treated for injuries to his right leg.
Since Gabriel and his friends were not gang members, the motive for the shooting remained unknown during the exhaustive investigation, and the case remained open for three years.
Gabriel Soto
Last month, County Supervisor Hilda Solis offered a $20,000 reward leading to an arrest or conviction for this murder at a press conference, where Sheriff Jim McDonnell asked the public for their assistance to bring Gabriel’s killer to light. “It is imperative for the purpose of completing justice and bringing a sense of relief for Gabriel’s family the suspect is unearthed,” the Sheriff said. “Those responsible must be held accountable for violently and chillingly ending a young, vibrant life packed with potential, and permanently impacting the life of another.”
In honor of Gabriel, the Lincoln University Blue Tigers retired football jersey number 33, which he used to wear with pride and anticipation of a future in professional sports. The standout defensive middle linebacker and scholar was also seeking a degree in engineering.
If you have any information about the suspects, please call the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau, with phone lines open 24 hours a day: 323-890-5500.
