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Reward

Family Seeks public’s help to solve Murder of Donte Lee Johnson 768 1024 SIB Staff

Family Seeks public’s help to solve Murder of Donte Lee Johnson

Detectives and Family Members Seek the Public’s Help to Solve the Murder of Philadelphia Resident Donte Lee Johnson; $20,000 Reward

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Detectives held a press conference on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, to announce a $20,000 reward in exchange for information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder of 30-year-old- Donte Lee Johnson. The reward was approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

On March 5, 2021, at approximately 2:09 p.m., Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) deputies responded to an assault with a deadly weapon, and gunshot victim call, at 609 N. Long Beach Boulevard, Compton, CA. Upon arrival, deputies found Donte Lee Johnson on the ground, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the upper torso. Unfortunately, the victim, Donte Lee Johnson, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Mr. Johnson, a resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was visiting friends to attend a social gathering in the City of Compton. Donte and his friends were at the location when they encountered the suspect, who produced a handgun and began firing in their direction. After the shooting, the suspect entered the rear passenger seat of an awaiting silver Chrysler PT Cruiser, which drove west on Elm Street from Long Beach Blvd. and out of view. The PT Cruiser was missing two hubcaps, had oxidation on the roof, and had a sticker on the lower left corner of the rear window. Investigators believe the shooting was gang-related and Donte was an innocent victim of the senseless act of violence.

Donte Lee Johnson’s younger brother was killed in 2011 in Philadelphia, and his mother, Movita Johnson-Harrell, created the CHARLES Foundation (Creating Healthy Alternatives Results in Less Emotional Suffering) in his memory. Donte advocated ending gun violence, speaking at events including the House of Representatives and the Senate. In his speeches, he would label himself as an “endangered species.” Donte and his family worked tirelessly so that other families would not experience the pain of losing a loved one to gun violence. In addition to fighting gun violence, Donte worked in the family business since the age of 16, caring for people with mental disabilities. He was a loving father to a 9-year-old girl and a 4-year-old-boy.

“My son came down the steps on March 4th, 2021, kissed me on my left cheek five times, looked me in my eyes and said, ‘mom, I love you. I’ll see you later,’ and the next time my son came home was in a box,” said Donte’s mom, Movita Johnson-Harrell.

Detectives believe there are witnesses in the area who may have seen or know the suspects’ identities. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org/.

Press Conference

Help solve the Murder of Danah Rojo-Rivas Reward Offered 1024 768 SIB Staff

Help solve the Murder of Danah Rojo-Rivas Reward Offered

Homicide Detectives and Victim’s mother ask for the Public’s Help in Solving the Murder of 16-year-old Danah Rojo-Rivas; $20,000 Reward Offered

On Wednesday, November 23, 2016, a mother was driving her two children home from a church function when suddenly, their lives changed forever.  16-year-old Danah Rojo-Rivas was shot to death. 

Danah was the backseat passenger in a car driven by her mother. Her brother Ethan sat in the front passenger seat. The family was heading home from a church function the day before Thanksgiving. As they traveled through the city of Lynwood, they waited for the light to turn green on Euclid Avenue at the intersection with Long Beach Boulevard. The family was unaware of a car chase happening right behind them.

The intended targets of the shooting were being chased by a light-colored 4-door sedan occupied by three people. One of the intended targets exited his vehicle and ran behind the Rojo-Rivas car to avoid being hit by bullets.  As the intended target ran, the shooter tracked him with a succession of gunfire from a handgun, and a bullet entered the Rojo-Rivas car, striking Danah in the upper torso and fatally wounding her.

Danah loved sports and animals –especially dogs.  She played softball and was working toward becoming a volunteer at an animal shelter.  At the shooting, Danah’s dog “Luna” was with her in the car.  In the confusion after the shooting, when the door was opened to pull Danah from the vehicle, the frightened dog ran out and was hit and killed by a passing car, adding heartache to heartbreak for the grieving family.

On Thursday, June 2, 2022, Detectives from the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau and Danah’s mother made a plea to the public to come forward and help identify the suspect who killed Danah.

“I’m a single mom. My son and my daughter were always with me all the time. My hands were always busy with the hands of my little kids. When that happened that night, and we were taken to the police station, my sister picked me up at 2:00 or 3:00 in the morning, and I was in denial. And when I went out, I was holding my son’s hand and my other hand… I didn’t have my daughter in my other hand, I realized that it was true. Since then, my hand always feels empty, ‘cause she is not here,” said a sobbing Sandra Rivas, Danah’s mother.  

To encourage witnesses to come forward, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors extended the $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for Danah’s death. The reward is sponsored by 4th District LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn. Unfortunately, Supervisor Hahn was not able to attend the press conference but sent a message to the community: “Danah’s family is still heartbroken and looking for answers. If you know anything about this terrible crime and who may be responsible for Danah’s death, I urge you to come forward.”

There were many witnesses to this murder, and some have come forward. Investigators have enhanced some surveillance video and have determined specific features that match witness and anonymous tipster’s statements.

Investigators also received information from an anonymous tipster who witnessed the shooting up close. Detectives are asking that person to contact Homicide investigators for a follow up interview.  Investigators also believe there were other possibly related shootings in the area before and after Danah’s murder. 

If you have information about this case, please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.  If you prefer to remain anonymous, you may call “L.A. Crime Stoppers” at 800-222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 MOBILE APP” on Google Play or the App Store or use the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

Press Conference Video

Emotional Falcon family speaking to press
LASD announces Reward in La Puente Shooting 900 742 SIB Staff

LASD announces Reward in La Puente Shooting

Sheriff’s Homicide Detectives to Announce $20,000 Reward in La Puente Shooting Death of Ten-Year-Old Boy

During a press conference at the Homicide Bureau offices, investigators and family members made a public plea for information about the murder Enrique Sebastian Falcon, a ten-year-old victim shot to death in front of his family.

At 9:15 P.M. on Sunday, May 17, 2020, the little boy known by his middle name, was a passenger in the back seat of a car, travelling through La Puente with his mother and her boyfriend.  As they drove southbound on Hacienda Boulevard, a black sedan pulled alongside their vehicle and the boyfriend alerted the occupants to turn on their headlights.  Both vehicles continued southbound on Hacienda Boulevard.  As the two vehicles approached the intersection with Amar Road, a male inside the other vehicle fired one round from a handgun at Sebastian’s vehicle.  Sebastian was struck one time on the right side of his torso.

Sebastian’s mother called 9-1-1, and deputies assigned to Industry Sheriff’s Station responded to their location.  Deputies administered life-saving measures to the little one while they drove him with lights and sirens in a patrol vehicle to the nearest hospital.  Despite their efforts to save his life, Sebastian succumbed to his injuries and died at the hospital later that night.

The suspect vehicle fled the area in an unknown direction.  The suspect was described as a male Hispanic, bald, between 20 and 25 years of age.

Homicide detectives announced a cash reward for $20,000.00 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect(s) responsible for taking Sebastian’s life.  The reward was secured by the city of La Puente, and the Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis’ Office.

Detectives and Sebastian’s family spoke at the event and asked for the public’s assistance to bring the perpetrators of this senseless crime to justice.  Sebastian’s mother, Adriana, held one of her son’s favorite toys as she faced media.  She said they missed him and asked for justice. 

If you have information about the suspect, suspect’s vehicle or this investigation, please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. 

Sheriff’s Homicide Detectives Announce $20,000 Reward in La Puente Shooting Death of Ten-Year-Old Boy

During a press conference at the Homicide Bureau offices, investigators and family members made a public plea for information about the murder Enrique Sebastian Falcon, a ten-year-old victim shot to death in front of his family.At 9:15 P.M. on Sunday, May 17, 2020, the little boy known by his middle name, was a passenger in the back seat of a car, travelling through La Puente with his mother and her boyfriend. As they drove southbound on Hacienda Boulevard, a black sedan pulled alongside their vehicle and the boyfriend alerted the occupants to turn on their headlights. Both vehicles continued southbound on Hacienda Boulevard. As the two vehicles approached the intersection with Amar Road, a male inside the other vehicle fired one round from a handgun at Sebastian’s vehicle. To read more and learn about the reward offer, click: https://sheriff33.lasd.org/lasd-announces-reward-in-la-puente-shooting/

Posted by Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department on Tuesday, September 15, 2020