A reward is being offered for information after a 17-year-old boy was shot and killed at a pool party in Torrance.
On June 18, Torrance police responded to a shooting on the 23000 block of Huber Avenue shortly before 9 p.m.
Officers found Chyler Paton, 17, had been shot and was unresponsive. Life-saving measures were administered, but he died from his injuries. Police found shell casings, but the suspect had fled.
Detectives said an investigation “yielded a person of interest that led to an arrest, but a case filing was not secured.” Police believe there are witnesses who may be able to provide corroborating information.
Los Angeles County officials are offering a $20,000 reward for information that leads to the conviction of the suspect responsible for Paton’s murder.
“This is a parent’s worst nightmare,” said L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn. “Chyler had an entire life to live until someone viciously cut it short. I cannot imagine the pain that his parents and everyone who loved him are feeling, but we are committed to doing everything we can to bring his killer to justice. Please speak up and help hold them responsible.”
Paton had just graduated from Culver City High School, where he was a member of the school’s football team. He was scheduled to start his freshman year at Cal State Dominguez Hills before he was killed. Family members described the teen as a loving son, brother, classmate and teammate.
“Chyler Paton was deeply loved and had his whole life ahead of him,” said Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, whose district includes Culver City. “Our Culver City community stands with his family and loved ones as they mourn this unimaginable loss. We urge anyone with information that could help bring justice for Chyler Paton to come forward.”
At a June 26 vigil honoring the teen, a gunman was arrested after shots were fired during an altercation. The suspect in that incident, Jonathan Plater, 20, was later arrested. Police did not provide details on what caused the fight or whether Plater was known to the victim. No injuries were reported.
A GoFundMe page to help Paton’s family with funeral expenses can be found here.
Anyone with information on the case is urged to call the Torrance Police Department’s Detective Division at 310-618-5570.
