A man fatally shot in Indio Friday was identified as 19-year-old, Hector Alvarez III was pronounced dead around 11 p.m. Friday at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, according to the Riverside County Coroner's Office.
Alvarez was shot about 10 p.m. that night in front of his home 43521 Smurr St., said Ben Guitron of the Indio Police Department.
Witnesses told police they saw a dark blue car leaving the area shortly after the shooting, according to Guitron.
Police have not released a motive.
Anyone with more information about the shooting was urged to call police at (760) 391-4057 or Crime Stoppers at (760) 341-7867.
Families Living In Fear
Imagine not being able to let your kids play outside without worrying about their safety. That's the reality for some valley parents who say death and violence have become a part of everyday life.
One neighborhood is grappling with a deadly shooting Friday that left another young person dead.
Yolanda Cardenas says she heard five gunshots Friday night.
"The cops coming, the helicopters. I'm like 'Oh my God," Cardenas said.
Cardenas lives on the 43-500 block of Smurr street in Indio. She is a few houses down from where Hector Alvarez III, 19, was gunned down. Police say Alvarez was shot in front of his home.
"That was a shock, especially because it's on the same street," Cardenas said. "Even more of a worry for every day," she added.
The neighborhood is full of families. Many homes on the street have front yards where kids play. Andrew Jackson Elementary School is across the street.
Cardenas, a young mother of two, says she feels "uncomfortable" in her neighborhood because she worries about her kids.
"They're never outside by themselves especially now because there's a shooting every other day here in the valley," she said.
Alvarez is the latest young person killed in an apparent homicide in recent months.
Just over a week ago, an 18 year old man was shot and killed on Calle Mendoza, a quiet cul-de-sac in Coachella. That case is still under investigation.
In December, a 16 year old boy, Angel Luna, was shot and killed in front of the Boys and Girls Club in Coachella. The alleged shooter, Angel Esparza, was later arrested. Esparza pleaded not guilty and faces a murder trial.
In November, a man in his twenties was shot and killed on John Nobles Avenue in Indio.
There's no evidence these homicides are related, said Ben Guitron with Indio police Department.
Many east valley parents say they are nervous to hear about multiple shooting deaths so close together.
"I'm scared when I come to pick up my grand daughter (from school)," said Augustina Cardosa, an Indio resident, said in Spanish. "Scared something is going to happen to us. (My grand daughter) doesn't go outside (to play without me)," Cardosa said.
"Once it's dark (and) the sun is down, they're inside," said Cardenas. "You're supposed to have the feeling you're keeping your child safe no matter what."
Guitron said parents should stay vigilant and report crimes or suspicious activity.
