Reward Offered in Road-rage Death in Sylmar
Los Angeles. The LAPD announced a reward offer in the murder investigation of 35-year-old Sergio Sanchez, who was shot in an apparent road-rage incident, March 14, 2014, along the route of the 210 Freeway, near Hubbard Street.
“Detectives have exhausted what few leads they had in this case,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Mission Detective Division. “We’re hoping this $50,000 will entice someone to come forward with information about Sergio Sanchez’s murder.”
The reward was sponsored by City Councilman Felipe Fuentes, whose 7th District includes Sylmar, where the early morning shooting happened and where the victim lived. “Sergio was there for so many people while he was alive, now he needs someone to step up for him in death,” Councilman Fuentes said. “Sergio was a hardworking man, merely driving home after his shift that fateful night. Whoever shot him should face justice. Detectives hope the reward might break open the case, and I’m happy to do my small part to make the reward available.”
The facts of the case are few: Sergio was driving home from work, westbound along the 210 Freeway. Detectives estimate that somewhere near Hubbard Street, in Sylmar, someone from a passing car or truck fired into Sergio’s black Mitsubishi Eclipse. Mortally wounded, Sergio’s car came to rest on the Roxford Street off ramp, where passersby found him slumped over the steering wheel and flagged down a passing Sheriff’s deputy. There were multiple impacts along the driver’s side, leading detectives to think the shooting was probably road-rage. Traffic along the 210 Freeway was light, and detectives have received few useable clues.
“Sergio’s family credits him with once saving the life of a young cousin, and for stepping up to take care of his younger siblings after their mother died,” Vernon explained. “These detectives have worked many hours to solve this case, and they are hoping someone will come foward for Sergio now.”
Anyone with information is urged to call Det. Gretchen Schultz, at (818) 838-9951. Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.
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