Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion introduced by Supervisor Kathryn Barger to reestablish and increase the reward to $85,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the 2016 murder of four-year-old Salvador “Chavita” Esparza III.
The increased reward represents a renewed effort to generate leads in the nearly decade-old homicide investigation and bring justice to the Esparza family.
“Little Salvador’s life was taken in a senseless act of violence a decade ago, but our commitment to seeking justice for him and his family remains unchanged,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “By increasing this reward to $85,000, we are sending a clear message: this case is not forgotten. Someone knows what happened, and I urge them to come forward. Even the smallest piece of information could help investigators identify those responsible and finally provide answers to Chavita’s loved ones.”
“We hope that with this reward reinstated, someone out there is willing to come forward and give us answers that can bring justice and peace to my family,” said Juana Esparza, Salvador’s grandmother. “If you know something—anything—we beg you to come forward and give us closure.”
On the evening of July 5, 2016, young Salvador was fatally shot while standing on the front porch of a relative’s home in Altadena. The shooter has never been identified. Despite ongoing efforts by law enforcement, the case remains unsolved.
Supervisor Barger’s motion to increase the reward underscores Los Angeles County’s continued commitment to supporting the Esparza family and encouraging anyone with information to assist investigators.
Pasadena Mayor Victor M. Gordo welcomed the Board’s action and reiterated the importance of community involvement.
“Nearly ten years have passed since little Chavita Esparza was taken from us, but he has not been forgotten,” said Mayor Gordo. “Today, he should be preparing for high school and looking ahead to a bright future. Instead, his family continues to seek the answers and justice they deserve. We are grateful to Supervisor Kathryn Barger for her continued leadership and support in extending and increasing this reward to help keep attention focused on this case. We urge anyone with information to come forward so that those responsible can finally be held accountable.”
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau continues to actively investigate the case. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Sergeant John Ganarial at (323) 890-5500. Assistance is available in multiple languages, including Spanish.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or visiting lacrimestoppers.org.
Media Availability:
Juana Esparza, grandmother of Salvador “Chavita” Esparza III, is available for interviews to discuss her family’s continued search for answers and justice nearly ten years after his murder. Members of the press interested in scheduling an interview may contact Helen Chavez Garcia by call or text at (213) 453-4316.