Mystery Surrounds Shooting Death of Good Samaritan

CERRITOS, CA – Authorities sought public help Thursday to solve last summer's killing of a Cerritos man known in the community for his compassionate efforts to help the homeless, according to the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department. Gustavo Arteaga, 37, was fatally shot July 28, 2017, at the San Gabriel Riverbed and Artesia Boulevard.

Arteaga enjoyed preparing food and offering a shower for the homeless community, according to the press release. He was also a devoted husband and father who is survived by his wife, Priscilla, adult daughter and three children.

"My kids are without a father now,'' Arteaga's wife, Priscilla, said. "He will never see them graduate.''

During a charitable act, Gustavo, was shot several times and struck in the leg. Immediately following the shooting, three suspects fled the scene, last seen running southbound Palo Verde Road and out of view, according to the LASD press release.

Investigators and the victim’s widow will make a public plea for assistance in identifying the suspects involved in the crime, and ask anyone with information to come forward.

City News Service contributed to this post; Image via Shutterstock