LOS ANGELES, CA – Homicide detectives are searching for two persons of interest after a prominent businessman was shot and killed in broad daylight while walking through a park in Cerritos late last month, in what investigators say was a targeted attack.
The fatal shooting occurred on Sunday, February 25, around 12:30 p.m. at Don Knabe Community Regional Park, near the Coyote Creek Riverbed just west of Carmenita Road. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, 66-year-old Cuauhtemoc Garcia was walking along the bike path when he was gunned down.
Garcia, described by family as a devoted husband and father, was a well-known businessman who took daily walks through the park, reportedly logging as many as 10 miles a day. His wife, Michelle Garcia, said he was dedicated to staying healthy and loved to walk, joking that he was the family’s very own “Forrest Gump.”
“He was so full of life,” she said. “I tell him I miss him. I love him.”
According to lead investigator Detective Louie Aguilera, witnesses reported seeing a man and a woman following Garcia shortly before the shooting. Surveillance images released by the sheriff’s department show the two individuals, described as people of interest, walking briskly behind Garcia on the path. Detectives noted that the woman appeared tense, wore a face mask, and clutched her purse tightly as she moved through the park.
At one point, both individuals were seen running. What happened next remains unclear. Witnesses in the area reported hearing multiple gunshots, and Garcia was later found dead at the scene.
Authorities have ruled out robbery as a motive and said there was no indication the attack was random. “He was targeted,” Aguilera said.
The people of interest have not been identified, and officials have not confirmed whether they are suspects or potential witnesses. The victim’s family has distributed flyers around the park in hopes that someone might recognize the pair and come forward.
Garcia’s murder has shaken the community and devastated his family, who have called for justice. Married for nearly 30 years, he leaves behind a wife and two children.
Detectives are urging the public to review the released photo of the couple and share any information that might aid in the investigation.
Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Those wishing to remain anonymous can reach out via Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or submit tips online at lacrimestoppers.org.
