Police arrest 13-year-old in connection with murder of Highland Park liquor store clerk
The Los Angeles Police Department said they arrested a suspect who allegedly murdered a man working as a clerk at a liquor store.
The incident happened Oct. 6, at Tony's Market in Highland Park, according to investigators. Police said four teenagers went into the liquor store and tried to steal a six-pack of beer.
"As he was kind of following them trying to get the product back, one of the individuals took an electric scooter and bashed him in the head," said Nelle Reyes, the victim's daughter.
The victim, identified as, 69-year-old Steven Reyes, was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
Police were initially looking for two males and two females, whom witnesses said looked no older than teenagers.
The suspect arrested Thursday is believed to be just 13-years-old.
Community members have since gathered outside the market after the alleged murder, placing candles and flowers in honor of the victim.
In the wake of her father's murder, Kaycie Reyes says the impact still hasn't yet sunk in.
"I'm just trying to get through this the best way possible, one day at a time," " she said. "There are no words, this is just a process that we're all trying to get through at the moment."
Despite the tragic loss, she and her family are grateful for the outpouring of support they've received in recent days, especially now that one of the suspects has been taken into custody.
"Even though things are difficult, we're still eternally grateful for everything that everyone has done to be able to apprehend the first of the four," she said.
