Sheriff Robert G. Luna held a press conference today to provide details regarding the tragic murder of Mr. Raul Cervantes Corona, which occurred on December 18, 2020, at approximately 6:44 p.m. in the parking lot of a Dollar Tree Store located on Rosecrans Avenue in Norwalk, just days before Christmas.
While seated in his vehicle, Raul Cervantes Corona was approached by an individual who shot him without provocation. Regrettably, Raul succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The assailant fled in a light-grayish-colored Kia Forte parked nearby. Importantly, no personal belongings were taken, including Raul's wallet, cellphone, truck, or the off-road vehicle he was towing.
The incident was captured on video, which shows customers in the vicinity during the shooting. Investigators believe there are potential witnesses within the community who may have witnessed the murder. Surveillance footage from a nearby gas station also captured the suspect refueling moments before the murder. The video reveals a male black adult paying for gas with a distinctive "Ace of Spades" tattoo on the suspect's right hand.
Investigators are seeking the public's assistance in identifying the driver of the suspect's vehicle. Additionally, they seek information on the individual described in a sketch provided by a witness and the whereabouts of a person of interest, JaMaree Boone, 23 years old.
Raul Cervantes was a successful businessman of U.A.S Custom Wheels and Tires, a beloved family-owned business. An enthusiast of cars and off-road vehicles, Raul was planning an off-road ride with friends on the day of his murder. He had parked his raised red truck, towing an off-road vehicle, at the location, awaiting his friends' arrival.
Sheriff Luna read a statement on behalf of the victim’s family:
On Friday, December 18, 2020, our family received the devastating news of the passing of Raul Cervantes. He was only 32 years old and had a long life ahead of him. His children, family, and friends miss him terribly. At the time of his death, his children were only 4 and 9 years old, and they are now struggling to cope with the loss of their father. Everyday milestones such as birthdays, graduations, and holidays have been difficult without him, and the void he left behind is impossible to fill. It has been over three years since his passing, and the grief is still very real for all of us. As a family, we are urging the public to come forward with any information that could lead to finding the person responsible for Raul's death. We need closure and justice for him.
SPANISH TRANSLATION:
El viernes 18 de Diciembre de 2020, nuestra familia recibió la mala noticia de la muerte de Raúl Cervantes. Tenía solo 32 años y una larga vida por delante. Sus hijos, familiares y amigos lo extrañan terriblemente. En el momento de su muerte, sus hijos tenían solo cuatro y nueve años, y ahora luchan por hacer frente a la pérdida de su padre. Los eventos de la vida, como cumpleaños, graduaciones y días festivos, han sido difíciles sin él, y el vacío que dejó es imposible de llenar. Han pasado más de tres años desde su fallecimiento y el dolor sigue siendo muy real para todos nosotros. Nuestra familia, urgimos al público a que presente cualquier información que pueda conducir a encontrar a la persona responsable de la muerte de Raúl. Necesitamos un cierre y justicia para él. Muchas gracias.
Sheriff Luna urges anyone who recognizes or can identify the individuals pictured in the provided posters to come forward. "The community is a vital partner in helping us solve crimes," stated Sheriff Luna. "You are the eyes and ears on the streets. Help us bring justice to the grieving Cervantes family and hold the person responsible for this murder accountable."
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call "Crime Stoppers" at (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or visit lacrimestoppers.org.
Forward by:
Sheriff’s Information Bureau
211 West Temple Street,
Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-229-1850
Website LASD HQ: http://www.lasd.org
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Robert G. Luna, Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
