The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors today unanimously approved a motion by Supervisor Kathryn Barger to offer a $20,000 reward for information leading to the identification, apprehension, and conviction of the person responsible for the July 3, 2026 murder of 23-year-old Isaiah Vallejo in Lancaster.
“Isaiah was a young man with his whole life ahead of him, yet now his family is left grieving a loss for the rest of their lives,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger. “Someone knows who did this. I am asking anyone with information to come forward so that Isaiah’s family can have justice and the person responsible is held accountable.”
Isaiah was born in Ventura, California. He loved to play baseball and was excited to attend welding school in the fall. Described as humble, kind, and ready to help anyone, anywhere, Isaiah is survived by his parents–mother Marisa Lopez and father Juan Vallejo–his grandparents, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, great-aunts, great-uncles, and dear friends.
On Friday, July 3, 2026, at approximately 12:10 a.m., Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) deputies responded to a report of a gunshot victim in the 45500 block of 21st Street West in Lancaster. Deputies found Vallejo in a backyard suffering from gunshot wounds to the torso. He was pronounced deceased at the scene by Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel.
Investigators learned that Vallejo and his cousin were attending a gathering of high school seniors and young adults. Late in the evening, Vallejo was confronted and assaulted by multiple males outside the party. He later returned to the gathering, located his cousin, and the two decided to leave. As they walked out through the rear yard, a brief altercation broke out between his cousin and unidentified attendees. Moments later, an unidentified suspect fired two shots at Vallejo.
The suspect is described as a male, Black, wearing a light blue Nike hooded sweatshirt and a ski mask. LASD investigators have not yet identified him and are asking for the public’s help.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the LASD Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500 and ask for Detective David Sotomayor. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or at lacrimestoppers.org.