17-year-old third charged in southeast L.A. shooting spree that killed 4

Josh DuBose
·3 min read

A 17-year-old boy was arrested and charged in connection with the tragic killing spree earlier this month in southeast Los Angeles County that left four people dead, including a child, authorities announced Thursday.

Gary Garcia Jr., 42, and Timberland McKneely, 20, were arrested and charged with murder last week for the random and deadly rampage on Feb. 11 and 12 that left 14-year-old Javier Pedraza Jr,. Kevin Pereda and two others dead.

All four shootings happened within three hours of each other in a five-mile radius between the cities of Bell, Cudahy and Huntington Park.

A 13-year-old boy and a 29-year-old man were also shot at during that spree. While the man was unhurt, the teen sustained unknown injuries.

On Thursday, officials with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced charges against 17-year-old Deair Fleming Delerence for his involvement in the Feb. 11 and 12 killing spree.

Prosecutors also announced charges against 18-year-old Joseivan Mendoza for his alleged involvement with McKneely in two fatal shootings in November 2023.

Authorities believe McKneely and Mendoza are responsible for the shooting deaths of a 38-year-old man and a 28-year-old man on Nov. 24, 2023, in unincorporated L.A. and Cudahy.

  • Teen shot, killed, another wounded outside L.A. school
    Authorities at the scene of a deadly shooting outside an elementary school in Cudahy on Feb. 12, 2024. (KTLA)
  • A canopy is seen during a a fatal shooting investigation outside the Ellen Ochoa Learning Center in Cudahy on Feb. 12, 2024.
    A canopy is seen during a a fatal shooting investigation outside the Ellen Ochoa Learning Center in Cudahy on Feb. 12, 2024. (KTLA)
  • The 14-year-old is the youngest victim in what authorities are calling a random shooting spree that left four people dead.
    The 14-year-old is the youngest victim in what authorities are calling a random shooting spree that left four people dead.
  • Flowers and candles are put out for the 14-year-old who was a victim in a random shooting spree that left four people dead.
    Flowers and candles are put out for the 14-year-old who was a victim in a random shooting spree that left four people dead.

“Last week, our office charged two men in the murders of four innocent people, including a child,” District Attorney George Gascón said in a news release. “This week, we have charged a juvenile in connection with those four murders and filed additional charges against Mr. McKneely and another man for the tragic murders of two additional men.

My heart remains with all the victims, their loved ones, and the communities who have been affected by this senseless violence. My office is fully committed to ensuring that justice is served to all individuals responsible for these heinous murders.”

  • Garcia Jr. faces four counts of murder and two counts of attempted willful, deliberate, premeditated murder

  • McKneely faces six counts of murder and two counts of attempted willful, deliberate, premeditated murder

  • Delerence faces four counts of murder and two counts of attempted willful, deliberate, premeditated murder

  • Mendoza faces two counts of murder

Delerence, a juvenile, remains detained until his next court appearance in March. Prosecutors have requested that three other men in custody be held without bail. All three are scheduled to appear in court on Feb. 29.

Stolen big rig burst into flames after pursuit in Southern California

“If convicted as charged, Garcia, McKneely and Mendoza will face a maximum of life in prison without parole,” authorities said.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.