Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Man Charged in Alleged Road Rage Shooting Death of 4-Year-Old Boy

A 29-year-old man is set to be arraigned next month on murder and other charges in connection with the alleged road rage shooting death of a 4-year-old boy in Lancaster, California. Byron Burkhart, the suspect, faces charges of murder, attempted murder, shooting at an occupied vehicle, and possession of a firearm by a felon. Prosecutors have requested that his bail be increased to over $5 million.

Arraignment Scheduled for January

The arraignment of Byron Burkhart is scheduled to take place on January 22 at the Antelope Valley Courthouse. Currently, he is being held in custody with a bail set at $2 million. If convicted, Burkhart could face a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Second Suspect Released

Another suspect, 27-year-old Alexandria Gentile, who was arrested in connection with the shooting, has been released from custody. She was identified as Burkhart’s girlfriend, but prosecutors have not charged her in relation to the incident.

Details of the Shooting

The shooting took place around 7:30 p.m. on Friday in the area of Sierra Highway and East Avenue J. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the incident occurred when a driver cut off the vehicle that the 4-year-old boy, Gor Adamyan, was traveling in with his parents. The driver of the suspect vehicle then began to pursue the family, eventually pulling up alongside their vehicle and opening fire. Eight shots were fired, and the boy, sitting in the back seat, was struck in the upper body. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he was pronounced dead.

Arrest and Investigation

The victims’ vehicle had a camera that captured images of the suspect vehicle’s license plate. With this information, investigators were able to locate the suspects’ vehicle near the scene of the shooting and subsequently arrested the man and woman on suspicion of murder.

Support for the Family

A GoFundMe page has been set up on behalf of the boy’s family, which has raised over $1,600 as of Monday. The family was reportedly on their way to a store to buy groceries when the tragic shooting occurred.

Response from Local Officials

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents the Lancaster area, expressed her shock and condemnation of the boy’s killing. She emphasized that such acts of random and unacceptable violence have no place on the roads and called for the suspects to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Barger also commended the quick actions of law enforcement in apprehending the suspects and removing them from the community’s streets.

Denial of False Reports

The District Attorney’s Office has denied reports suggesting that Burkhart had been previously booked for a weapons violation but was released under the county’s zero-bail policy. The office clarified that this report is false.

Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact homicide detectives at 323-890-5500 or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

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