Anthony Ezquiel Escobar, 13

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Anthony Ezquiel Escobar, a 13-year-old Latino youth, was shot to death Thursday, March 6, about 8 p.m. in the 800 block of North Bonnie Brae Street in Echo Park. Police said his uncle found him in his own driveway, clinging to life, after his mother became concerned that he had not returned from one of his regular trips to get lemons. He was rushed to Children’s Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds.

Investigators said Anthony is not himself a gang member, but does have relatives associated with an Echo Park gang. Police are focusing on gang members from a rival territory whom they believe drove into the area to shoot someone.

It is the fourth killing or serious wounding of a Los Angeles youth in the last two weeks. Anthony was also known as ‘Chucho.’

Update: Police originally said Anthony’s uncle found him in the driveway, but in subsequent reports, it was learned it was his adult cousin, who helped raise him. See L.A. Times story: