WHITTIER — A $20,000 reward is now available for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the fatal shooting of Benjamin Ryan Castaneda, who was killed June 2 on the 8100 block of Broadway Avenue in the unincorporated West Whittier-Los Nietos area, Los Angeles County officials announced.
The County Board of Supervisors approved the reward and the board’s action aims to encourage community members to come forward with information that could help solve the case.
According to the sheriff’s department, Castaneda, 27, was driving north on Broadway Avenue around 11:20 p.m. when a gold or brown four-door sedan pulled up alongside his vehicle. Someone inside the sedan fired into Castaneda’s car, striking him. He was taken to a local hospital, where he died of his injuries. Deputies from the Pico Rivera station responded to the scene.
Detectives said the shooting victim appeared to be targeted, though no motive or suspect description has been released. The department is seeking assistance from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information about the suspected vehicle, which was last seen continuing north on Broadway Avenue.
Supervisor Janice Hahn said the reward is intended to support the investigation and help Castaneda’s family find answers.
Hahn said that sheriffs department detectives believe there are witnesses in the neighborhood who may have seen the suspect or suspects leave the area or know their identities and a reward offer may help in solving the case. She urged individuals with information about the crime to contact the sheriff’s department’s homicide bureau or Crime Stoppers.
“I cannot imagine the shock and pain that Benjamin’s family has experienced in the weeks since his sudden and horrific killing,” Hahn said in a statement after the board’s vote. “We need the public’s help to bring the violent criminals who took him away from them to justice.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 or call Det. Gail Durham or Sgt. Frank Alvarado at (323) 890-5500. Callers can remain anonymous.
The reward will remain in effect for at least 90 days, county officials said.
