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

Suspect to be Arraigned Next Month on Murder and Other Charges

LANCASTER – A 29-year-old man believed to be responsible for a tragic road-rage incident resulting in the death of a 4-year-old boy in Lancaster is set to face multiple charges, including murder. Byron Burkhart, the accused, was formally charged on Tuesday by the District Attorney’s Office. The charges against him include murder, two counts of attempted murder, one count of shooting at an occupied vehicle, and five counts of possession of a firearm by a felon. It is alleged that Burkhart personally used a handgun during the crime.

The arraignment for Burkhart has been scheduled for January 22 at the Antelope Valley Courthouse. Currently, he is being held in custody with a bail set at $2 million. However, the prosecution is seeking an increase in bail to over $5 million. If convicted, Burkhart could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Girlfriend Released, Second Suspect Not Charged

A second suspect, identified as 27-year-old Alexandria Gentile and believed to be Burkhart’s girlfriend, was arrested in connection with the shooting but has not been charged. She was released from custody on Tuesday afternoon, as per jail records.

Details of the Shooting Incident

The shooting incident took place around 7:30 p.m. on Friday near Sierra Highway and East Avenue J, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The victims, including the deceased boy, Gor Adamyan, his father, and mother, were driving when a vehicle abruptly cut them off. The driver of the suspect vehicle then started tailing the victims’ car, eventually pulling up alongside them and opening fire. Prosecutors have revealed that a total of eight shots were fired.

Gor Adamyan, who was seated in the back of the vehicle, suffered gunshot wounds to his upper body. His parents rushed him to a nearby hospital, but sadly, he was pronounced dead. The shocking incident has left the Adamyan family devastated.

Arrest and Evidence

Authorities have stated that a camera inside the victims’ vehicle managed to capture images of the suspect vehicle’s license plate. Following the shooting, law enforcement located the suspects’ vehicle in close proximity to the crime scene and promptly arrested Burkhart and Gentile on suspicion of murder. The investigation is ongoing, and any individuals with information related to the case are urged to contact homicide detectives at 323-890-5500 or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

Community Support and Condemnation

A GoFundMe page has been set up to support the grieving Adamyan family, which has already received over $1,600 in donations as of Monday. The page highlights how the family was on their way to buy groceries when the tragic shooting occurred.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents the Lancaster area, expressed her deep sadness and condemned the senseless killing of the young boy. In a statement, she said, “This young boy’s death is shocking. A family is now inexplicably left without a child that meant everything to them. Our roadways are no place for this type of random and unacceptable violence. I want the suspects apprehended for this heinous murder to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I also want to thank the law enforcement professionals who acted quickly, arrested the suspects, and took them off the community’s streets. We cannot tolerate acts of violence like this one.”

Clarification on Prior Arrest Reports

Addressing recent reports, the District Attorney’s Office refuted claims that Burkhart had been previously booked for a weapons violation but was released under the county’s zero-bail policy. The office clarified that such reports are false.