The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department disclosed that a 4-year-old boy involved in a road rage passed unimaginably. According to the police, the shooting happened around 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 15, 2023. The tragic incident reportedly happened on the Sierra Highway in Lancaster, California.
4-year-old Gor Adamyan was traveling with his parents on the Sierra Highway in Lancaster when the tragic incident happened. 29-year-old Byron Burkhart pulled up and fired eight shots into their car. Consequently, one of the shots hit Adamyan, who was sitting in the backseat of the vehicle.
Although they transported him to a local hospital immediately, the hospital pronounced Adamyan dead on arrival. “It’s unimaginable that this could have been any of our families,” Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris told a news outlet. “It could have been any of us.”
In addition, the sheriff’s office revealed they have arrested Burkhart and a 27-year-old woman in connection to the fatal shooting. They added that there are no additional suspects.
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“While being pursued by the suspects, the victim driver slowed his vehicle, at which time the suspect driver pulled up along the passenger side of the victim’s car and began shooting,” LASD said.
According to the District Attorney’s office, they charged Burkhart on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, with one count of murder. They also charged him with two counts of attempted murder and one count of shooting at an occupied vehicle. In addition, they charged him with five counts of possession of a firearm by a felon.
In a statement, Los Angeles County District Attorney Gascón expressed his displeasure at the incident. “Our hearts ache for the loss of a young life in such a devastating and senseless act of road rage.” Gasćon added, “A family is facing unimaginable pain during what should be a joyous time this holiday season.”
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According to the prosecutors, the victims’ vehicle’s camera allegedly captured Burkhart’s vehicle’s license plate during the incident. Consequently, they booked him at the Los Angeles County Jail on Sunday, December 17, 2023. In addition, they scheduled him to appear in court on January 22, 2024.
Furthermore, due to the gravity of the case, prosecutors said they would hold Burkhart on $5.075 million bail. According to reports, if a judge convicts Burkhart as charged, he will face a maximum sentence of life in prison. On the day the incident happened, Burkhart was in a car with his girlfriend, Alexandria Gentile.
Prosecutors say the two were reportedly traveling together. Consequently, they booked the 27-year-old at the Los Angeles County Jail with Burkhart. According to the sheriff’s department, they booked Gentile on suspicion of murder in connection with the shooting.
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However, according to the online jail records, the Los Angeles County Jail released her on Tuesday afternoon. Also, the district attorney’s office has not announced any charges against her.
While investigations are ongoing, the acting spokesperson for the victim’s parents, Miguel Coronado, disclosed the family’s stance on the case. He said the family wants both suspects incarcerated for the rest of their lives with no possibility of parole.
While speaking to the press, Coronado said the last words the parents heard from their 4-year-old was “I’m hurt.” Following the incident, people have come together to support the family with the funeral funds. However, many argue that it is a wake-up call to the community to push for stricter gun laws.
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