Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion introduced by Supervisor Kathryn Barger that extends a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a person suspected to have murdered 26-year-old Ismael Zabala in Lancaster.
On December 20, 2020, Mr. Zabala was shot in front of his family members while attending a cousin’s birthday party. He had been recently honorably discharged from the United States Army.
“More than three years have passed since Ismael’s life was violently and unjustly ended,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “It is unconscionable that he was murdered in front of his family. This case is unique because a suspect has been identified. I’m hopeful this reward will lead to someone stepping forward to provide a critical tip that will lead to an arrest. Ismael’s family is heartbroken and devastated. They deserve answers, justice, and closure.”
Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Homicide Investigators have identified Oscar Palazuelos as a suspect in the murder of Mr. Zabala and have a warrant for his arrest.
Anyone with information about this case can anonymously contact the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1(800) 222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at lacrimestoppers.org. Tips and information can also be reported directly to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau by dialing (323) 890-5554 and speaking with Lieutenant Michael Gomez.