Authorities have launched a homicide investigation in Azusa after a man was found shot to death early Friday morning in a car riddled with bullet holes.
According to Los Angeles County police, the shooting was reported around 5:30 a.m. in the 200 block of N. San Gabriel Avenue, just north of the 210 Freeway.
Azusa Police Department officers were the first to arrive on the scene after hearing of the shooting and found the victim with a fatal gunshot wound to the upper body.
He was taken to a nearby hospital by Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedics, officials said, but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Family members identified the man as 27-year-old Peter Maldonado.
“My aunt is devastated,” said Valerie Ramos, the victim’s cousin. “She’s completely devastated. It’s just sad, it’s too much for us mothers and parents to deal with.
She remembers her cousin as “such a great kid” who wouldn’t hurt a fly. She’s not sure who would want to hurt her cousin, who she says has no gang ties.
Ramos says the car he was found in belonged to his mother and he was only in the area to visit his ex-girlfriend.
“He’s not from here,” she said. “He lives, he stays more near where we are, which is in the West Covina area. So he just comes here to visit her.”
No arrests have been reported and detectives with the LASD Homicide Bureau, who have taken over the investigation, have not released any information about a motive or suspect.
Evidence markers were visible on the sidewalk around the car, which was cordoned off with crime tape as detectives searched the area throughout the day.
Residents of the area say they are shocked by the incident, which took place in what they call a very safe area of their community.
“I’m terrified,” said one woman. “I’m scared.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators at (323) 890-5500.
