Homicide Report > Carlos Vela, 17
Carlos Vela, 17
Died June 1, 2009 at 7:53 p.m.
Carlos Vela, a 17-year-old Latino, was shot in the head in the 9600 block of Beverly Street in Bellflower. He died on Monday, June 1, according to the Los Angeles County coroner's office.
Vela was accidentally shot by his friend James Kempski, 17, of Bellflower.
Deputies searched for Kempski after he accidentally shot Vela to death and then disappeared. He was reportedly despondent about the shooting and still has a gun, officials said.
Kempski and Vela, of Lawndale, were playing with a handgun when it fired, Lt. Dan Rosenberg said.
Kempski's father called law enforcement personnel from Arizona, where he was traveling on business, to report that his son was distraught because he had accidentally shot his friend.
Det. Phil Martinez said the boy told his father that he was afraid that no one would believe him and that he wanted to kill himself.
Vela's mother, Aida Portillo, appeared on local television news broadcasts to beg Kempski to turn himself in.
Investigators believe that there were other people at the home when Vela was shot and that Kempski is with friends, Martinez said.
— Associated Press
- Neighborhood: Bellflower
- Age: 17
- Gender: Male
- Cause: Gunshot
- Day of the week: Monday
- Agency: LASD Homicide
- Race/Ethnicity: Latino
- Crime scene: Residence
Six reader comments about Carlos Vela
RIP CARLOS YOUR IN A BETTER PLACE NOW. TAKE CARE OF YOUR MOM, SIS, SIMON AND BABY SIMON GUIDE THEM AND PROTECT THEM.
Jan. 26, 2010 at 11:09 a.m.
Carlito's is in a better place now he , was a loving boy and is very much missed by erveybody' it doesnt seem real to no one!
But now we can face facts that their is a BEUTIFUL angel watching over everybody!
look over ur Mom & my bestfriend Christinaa ur loving sister whoo misses you sooo much!!!&;urr lil brotherrr Simon♥
you are missseddd Dearly!
WE alll LOVE youuuuu♥
Feb. 12, 2010 at 10:39 a.m.
Carlitos, the days go by so slow without you, there are no words to express how truly "sorry" I am, we could of spent time laughing instead of arguing. You were TRULY my best friend, and I find mself very lost without you... The good times overcome the bad, and memorys with you give me the stregnth to procees. I know your in a better place, & you will guide me through my tough times.. But, this pain runs so deep.. I just wish you came home.. I love you today, tomorrow, & FOREVER!!!
March 9, 2010 at 7:47 p.m.
Today makes exact 10 months since youve gone the pain isnt any easier you are still being missed & wont ever be forgotten Love & miss you dearly!
Rest in Peace Carlos you are in a better place
April 1, 2010 at 3:19 p.m.
i just want to say how truly sorry i am for your loss. James was not a true homie. How could he do that..under the influence? accident? i think NOT! but carlos is deffinately in a better place..now, when we look up to the sky, carlos is up there smiling at us.. we love you...even if some of us didnt get to know u that much..i did, but some didnt..n im sure ppl would agree with me. =
Sept. 1, 2010 at 10:57 p.m.
carlos, its almost been 2 years, and nott onee day has qonee byy that ii havent thoqht about youu. i know that your up there lookinq out for your mom aida, sister christina and little brother simon . we all love and miiss you.
April 8, 2011 at 4:15 a.m.
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