LOS ANGELES, CA – Authorities are searching for two individuals connected to the fatal shooting of a 66-year-old businessman in a Cerritos park, in what investigators have described as a targeted killing that occurred in broad daylight late last month.
The victim, Cuauhtémoc Garcia, was shot and killed around 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 25, while walking along a bike path at Don Knabe Community Regional Park, near the Coyote Creek Riverbed just west of Carmenita Road. Garcia, a familiar face in the area, was known for his daily walking routine and commitment to health. His family described him as a dedicated husband and father who regularly walked up to 10 miles a day.
Street People learned that shortly before the shooting, Garcia was seen being followed by a man and woman who appeared on surveillance footage released by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. SP obtained details suggesting that the individuals were captured on video walking briskly behind Garcia, with the woman notably wearing a face mask and clutching her purse tightly. Investigators noted that both individuals were later seen running, though what transpired in the seconds leading up to the shooting remains unclear.
Witnesses reported hearing several gunshots. Garcia was found dead at the scene. Authorities have ruled out robbery and emphasized there is no indication the act was random. “He was targeted,” said Detective Louie Aguilera, who is leading the investigation.
According to insights uncovered by SP, the individuals seen on surveillance are being classified as persons of interest, but law enforcement has not confirmed whether they are suspects or potential witnesses. Their identities remain unknown.
In the days following the shooting, Garcia’s family distributed flyers around the park in an effort to generate new leads. His wife, Michelle Garcia, said the loss has left the family devastated. “He was so full of life,” she said. “I tell him I miss him. I love him.” The couple had been married nearly 30 years and shared two children.
The killing has rattled the Cerritos community, which has seen relatively low levels of violent crime in recent years. SP reviewed public safety records indicating that homicides in the area are rare, particularly those occurring in daylight hours and public spaces.
Detectives continue to urge the public to come forward with any information that might identify the individuals seen on the path with Garcia.
Anyone with relevant details is asked to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Anonymous tips can be submitted via Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at lacrimestoppers.org.
