Reward offered as sheriff’s look to solve Lynwood murder

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) Homicide Bureau is seeking the public’s help in solving the murder of 40-year-old Irene Gonzalez, who was tragically killed on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, in Lynwood, California.

Officials are calling on the community to provide any information that may lead to the identification and arrest of the suspect(s) responsible for this heinous crime.

During a press conference held today, LASD acknowledged several individuals involved in the investigation and those supporting the effort to seek justice for Irene. Homicide Detectives Adam Kirste and Nina Gonzales, the lead investigators on the case, were present alongside Captain Christopher Minott from Century Station and Irene’s family members and close friends were also in attendance.

Officials expressed gratitude to Supervisor Janice Hahn and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors for approving a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Irene’s murder.

According to investigators, deputies from Century Station responded to a call regarding a gunshot victim on September 15, 2024, at approximately 5:43 a.m. in the 12500 block of Oak Street in Lynwood.

When deputies arrived, they discovered Irene Gonzalez lying on the sidewalk with a fatal gunshot wound to her upper torso. It was determined that she had been shot hours earlier, at approximately 1:55 a.m., as she exited a black Toyota Corolla.

Video evidence revealed that the suspect vehicle, a black 2014–2018 Toyota Corolla with four doors and a sunroof, was traveling along Long Beach Boulevard before turning west on Euclid Avenue and then heading north on Oak Street, where it stopped mid-block.

Investigators believe Irene exited the vehicle and was shot by the driver. She collapsed on the sidewalk, where she tragically died alone. Her body was discovered hours later by a passerby.

The suspect vehicle is described as a black Toyota Corolla with a sunroof, which was an optional feature for this model. Investigators are asking the public to focus on this specific detail when identifying potential leads.

Irene Gonzalez was a devoted mother and a caring individual known for her selflessness. She leaves behind her mother, Maria Gonzalez; her sons, Jessie Gonzalez and Jayland Beverly; her sister, Maggie Chaidez; and her brothers, Joe Mandujano and Sergio Gonzalez.

Her family described her as a loving person who always put others’ needs before her own, finding joy in helping those around her.

Lieutenant De Jong said, “Irene did not deserve to die in the manner that she did.”

The LASD Homicide Bureau and Irene’s family are urging anyone with information about the suspect or the vehicle to come forward. Officials emphasized that Irene did not deserve to lose her life in such a violent and senseless manner and expressed their hope that members of the community will come forward with critical information to help solve the case and bring closure to her grieving family.

Maria Gonzalez said in Spanish, “She was a good daughter and a good mother. She did not deserve this.”

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.

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