A Homicide That Shook a San Fernando Faith Leader
** at a sports complex in Santa Clarita. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department classified the death as a homicide. Two weeks later, no charges have been filed.
Joshua Trujillo, 43, son of San Fernando Pastor Rudy Trujillo, was shot and killed May 30 at a Santa Clarita sports complex. The LA County Sheriff's Department says an uninvolved third person fired the fatal shot. No charges have been filed.
** at a sports complex in Santa Clarita. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department classified the death as a homicide. Two weeks later, no charges have been filed.
The shooting occurred in the parking lot outside a quinceañera at the George A. Carvalho Sports Complex. Trujillo was involved in an argument with Michael R. Lopez, identified through Lopez's partner's Instagram page as the boyfriend of Trujillo's ex-wife.
Deputies who arrived on scene found both men with gunshot wounds. Joshua Trujillo was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Lopez was shot six times and hospitalized in critical condition, according to a GoFundMe page created for him.
The sheriff's department released a statement describing the sequence of events.
"The deceased party [Joshua Trujillo] and the injured party [Lopez] were involved in an argument. During the argument, the deceased individual [Joshua Trujillo] shot the injured party [Lopez]. An uninvolved person shot and killed the deceased."
That uninvolved person has not been publicly identified. Deputies initially detained a person of interest, but that individual was later released, according to LASD Lt. Chris Oakley.
Oakley told the San Fernando Valley Sun/el Sol that the case remains under investigation and will be filed with the LA County District Attorney within the next two weeks.
"They will make the determination if any charges are filed on anyone involved," Oakley said.
Pastor Rudy Trujillo has spent decades comforting parents in the San Fernando Valley after the deaths of their children from gang violence and drug use. His own family was now caught in the same tragedy he had long counseled others through.
Rudy and his wife Annette Trujillo shared a statement on Facebook thanking community members for their support.
"Josh was the center of our world, a cherished son who brought immeasurable love, joy and pride to our family," the couple wrote. "Josh was a hardworking, caring and dedicated father who always put his four children first. Our hearts are broken beyond words."
Rudy Trujillo also warned that "there may be individuals who attempt to profit from our family's tragedy." He directed residents to the family's official Facebook and Instagram pages for verified updates on fundraisers and memorial events.
Friends and community members have rallied around the Trujillo family. "Sal the Drummer" Rodriguez, a childhood friend of Rudy Trujillo from Telfair Elementary in Pacoima, told the San Fernando Valley Sun/el Sol that a fundraising event is tentatively planned for late July.
"My heart goes out to Pastor Rudy, Annette Trujillo and their family for this tragic loss," Rodriguez said. "I've known Pastor Rudy since the fourth grade, going back to Telfair Elementary in Pacoima, so we have history. I also attended the Faith Center. Please pray for Pastor Rudy, Annette and everyone who's been affected by this great tragedy."
Other community members shared messages of support on social media:
As of press time, no funeral services had been announced for Joshua Trujillo. A GoFundMe page set up for the family can be found at gofund.me/8d59d6115.
The LASD investigation is expected to be forwarded to the District Attorney's office for review on charging decisions within the next two weeks. The identity of the third person who fired the shot that killed Joshua Trujillo has not been confirmed by law enforcement.
This article was generated with AI assistance.