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A $30,000 reward is being offered in the search for a gunman who killed a 40-year-old father in Hawaiian Gardens.

The victim, Carlos Alvarez-Diaz, was driving with a 14-year-old relative when shots rang out, striking and killing him on the morning of Oct. 8, 2022.

His family members are now pleading for answers and justice, hoping the $30,000 reward can help them track down the suspect responsible.

Carlos was shot while driving northbound on Norwalk Boulevard at 226th Street.

Police found Carlos lying on the ground near his vehicle, with a gunshot wound in his upper torso. The 14-year-old passenger was also shot but survived.

“He leaves behind a wife, two girls, and a baby boy who’s never going to meet his dad,” said the victim’s brother, Adrian Alvarez. “He was loved by everybody.”

Carlos Alvarez-Diaz in a photo from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Carlos Alvarez-Diaz is seen in a photo provided by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

The shooter is described as a Hispanic man in his late teens or early 20s. He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt and a black beanie. The suspect vehicle is described as a dark-colored, four-door vehicle. The car was last seen traveling northbound on Norwalk Boulevard.

“Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department homicide investigators believe there are witnesses in the area who may have seen the suspect or know the suspect’s identity,” said Lt. Patricia Thomas during a news conference Wednesday.

Carlos’ family said they still have no idea why he was targeted. They feel heartbroken he died in an area where he grew up and felt the safest.

Loved ones said Carlos was a family man whose greatest joys were his two daughters and his unborn son. He enjoyed traveling and spending time with family and friends.

“My brother was not a gang member,” said Adrian. “He was not looking for trouble. He was just driving his car around and unfortunately, he was the victim of a senseless act of violence. If anybody knows anything, we ask that you please call this number and give us information. Don’t do it for the money, do it because it’s the right thing to do.”

Anyone with information is asked to call LASD at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.