ALTADENA >> A 4-year-old boy sitting on his mom’s porch was killed and a man was wounded in a shooting outside an Altadena home late Tuesday, authorities said.
Deputies and paramedics rushed Salvador “Chavita” Esparza III to a hospital following the 10:30 p.m. shooting in the 300 block of Figureoa Drive, just west of Grandeur Avenue, according to Ed Winter, assistant chief of operations at the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner coroner.
A 27-year-old man, described as a family friend, was also wounded by gunfire and was initially hospitalized in critical condition, Deputy Trina Schrader of the Los Angeles County sheriff’s officials said in a written statement. An updated on his condition was not available Wednesday.
The search for the unidentified shooter who fled the scene in a black or dark-colored sedan continued Wednesday, as detectives and crime scene investigators scoured the scene for clues. A detailed suspect description was not available, and it was unclear of the shooter had any accomplices. The motive remained under investigation.
“An unknown suspect drove up to the residence and fired rounds toward a residence, striking both victims whom were on the porch, according to the sheriff’s department statement.
The boy was not believed to be the intended target of the shooting.
Andrew Ramos said he was in his house when he heard the gun shots.
“It had to be more than 10,” he said. Ramos said he heard on arguing or other sounds that caught his attention prior to the gunfire.
The gunman reportedly fires at least 13 rounds.
Ramos said his family initially thought the noise was from fireworks. Ramos’ father went outside to look around and discovered there had been a shooting.
Several others neighbors also said they thought the noises were due to fireworks at first.
Jonathan Franklin, 33, lives nearby and said he also mistook the noise for fireworks, before deputies flooded into the neighborhood.
He also recalled hearing numerous voices involved in some kind of “commotion” about the time of the shots, but couldn’t be sure if it was related.
Esparza’s aunt, Jackie Campos, said the family was still coming to grips with Tuesday’ night’s tragic violence.
“We don’t have any information,” Campos said. “We’re just waiting for answers. It’s not going to be easy.”
Esparza’s parents are separated, Campos said. The boy split his time between his father’s house in Monrovia and his mother’s house in Altadena. Neither parents has gang ties, she said.
Campos said she did not know who the adult wounded in the shooting was. Sheriff’s officials described him as a family friend, and not related to the young boy.
The aunt described Esparza as a calm, sweet boy, just an “average 4-year-old” who loved Spider-man and other superheroes.
“He lit up the room every time he walked in,” Campos said through tears, her voice quivering. “He was the kindest soul.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Tips may also be submitted anonymously to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
Funds to benefit the family are being collected online at www.gofundme.com/BabyChavita.

PHOTOSof scene by Walt Mancini. Photo of Salvador Esparza III courtesy of family.