Arcadia, California — A teenage girl was shot and killed inside an apartment in Arcadia after a man she was dating allegedly forced his way into the residence, authorities said. The 20-year-old suspect later shot himself in a Pasadena shopping center parking lot as officers were attempting to contact him.
The deadly incident unfolded on October 22, prompting a homicide investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD). Investigators are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting, while the victim’s identity and the motive remain undisclosed.
What Happened in the Arcadia Shooting?
Authorities responded to a reported shooting at around 11 a.m. on October 22 at a residence in the 800 block of West Huntington Drive in Arcadia.
When officers arrived, they found the teenage girl suffering from a gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to authorities, the man she had been dating allegedly forced his way into the apartment before shooting her. Investigators have not released further details about what happened inside the residence or what led to the confrontation.
The incident prompted a major police response as detectives began gathering evidence and speaking with people who might have witnessed the events.
Neighbors Report Hearing Gunshots and Screaming
Residents in the area described hearing gunfire and a woman screaming for help around the time of the shooting.
Neighbor Daisy Valdez said she heard a woman calling out for assistance, possibly a family member of the victim.
“We heard a woman screaming,” Valdez said. “We heard her asking for an ambulance. It sounded like it was a mom for sure.”
The reported sounds have added to the distress surrounding the incident, although investigators have not publicly confirmed the identity of the woman who was heard screaming.
Authorities are continuing to examine the available evidence and interview potential witnesses to establish a clearer timeline of the shooting.
Suspect Identified as 20-Year-Old Paul Anthony Cruz Jr.
Authorities identified the suspect as Paul Anthony Cruz Jr., 20.
After the Arcadia shooting, Cruz allegedly fled the area and drove several miles to Pasadena. Approximately an hour later, another shooting occurred in a shopping center parking lot, where Cruz shot himself, according to authorities.
The incident was witnessed by multiple bystanders and shoppers in the area.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said the self-inflicted shooting occurred while officers were attempting to contact Cruz. He was taken to a hospital in critical condition.
Authorities have not released further information about his condition or provided additional details about the circumstances leading up to the second shooting.
Victim’s Identity and Motive Remain Unknown
Investigators have not publicly released the teenage victim’s name or exact age. Authorities have confirmed only that she had been in a “dating relationship with the suspect.”
LASD Lt. German Ochoa said officials were not releasing additional information about the victim’s background at this time.
“We won’t be releasing any information regarding the victim’s background at this time,” Ochoa said.
The motive behind the deadly incident remains unclear. Investigators have not disclosed whether there had been any previous reports involving the pair or whether authorities were aware of earlier disputes.
Detectives will need to examine witness accounts and other available evidence to determine what happened before the shooting and what may have led to the violence.
Homicide Detectives Continue Investigation
Police cordoned off part of the Arcadia apartment complex as investigators collected evidence and conducted interviews. Homicide detectives were also seeking surveillance footage that could help establish the sequence of events.
The investigation remains ongoing under the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Division.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact LASD at 213-229-1700. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or through its website at lacrimestoppers.org.
Authorities may release additional information as detectives continue working to establish the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death.
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