A quiet Sunday evening in Pomona turned into a scene of tragedy when 16-year-old Angel Sierra was found shot in the 1300 block of East Pasadena Avenue, south of Kingsley Avenue. Emergency responders from the Pomona Police Department and the Los Angeles County Fire Department arrived around 5:30 p.m. after a report of gunfire. Officers discovered Angel suffering from a gunshot wound; despite attempts to save him at the scene, he was pronounced dead shortly after.
According to police, the investigation quickly led to the arrest of a 13-year-old girl, who they have identified as the possible perpetrator. Her name is not being released due to her age. As of Monday, she was in custody at juvenile hall, and investigators are yet to clarify whether she knew Angel or what triggered the shooting.
The motive remains unknown. In a statement, police emphasized that “no additional information will be provided at this time” as the investigation continues. The relationship between the victim and the young suspect has not been formally established.
With this death, Pomona records its ninth homicide of the year, marking the first since a murder-suicide on November 17, as confirmed by public information specialist Aly Mejia of the Pomona Police Department. For comparison, there were 12 homicides in Pomona during all of 2024.
For community members seeking answers or looking to assist, police encourage anyone with information to call 909-622-1241 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
This incident strikes a chord beyond statistics—a 16-year-old’s life ended abruptly; a 13-year-old stands accused of taking it. Behind the numbers lie families shattered and a community left grappling with shock and questions. Authorities are committed to piecing together what happened that evening on East Pasadena Avenue, why it happened, and how to prevent another such loss.
