Coroner Names Woman Killed in Baldwin Park Double Shooting

Written by AARON CASTREJON
CityWatch Editor

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LOS ANGELES - The woman killed in a shooting that took the life of her young boy was identified Tuesday.

Yesli Velasquez Gonzalez, a 23-year-old Baldwin Park resident, was identified by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner. Her child, believed to be as old as 7, will be publicly identified after next of kin have been notified.

According to CBS2 news, homicide investigators have identified the gunman as a 36-year-old Rigoberto Covarrubias, who is apparently Gonzalez’s boyfriend. He remains at-large.

The shooting was likely part of a domestic fight, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau.

Gonzalez was further identified as being a staff member of the Baldwin Park Unified School District. Her still unidentified son was a student, according to district superintendent Froilan Mendoza.

“There is nothing more difficult in life than telling a child that someone that is near to their heart has suddenly passed, and even more so when the death has shaken an entire community,” Mendoza said in a written statement. “We know that no simple explanation can lessen the grief felt by so many. It is in these moments that we must rely on each other for comfort and support, and know that an act of kindness, no matter how brief, can provide solace during the healing process.”

Hilda Solis, Los Angeles County Supervisor, First District, took to social media June 6 to register her frustration and sorrow over the killings.

“My heart is heavy with the news that last night, a mother and child were tragically murdered in a domestic violence-related shooting in Baldwin Park. This senseless act of violence has devastated our community and it will not go unanswered,” Solis said. “We must make sure that the individual responsible is held accountable for this egregious act, and I am committed to bringing this person to justice.”

​Baldwin Park Police responded to the 4200 block of Merced Avenue June 5 to a report of gunfire around 9:22 p.m. Officers located a woman and child in a rear yard, both suffered gunshot wounds to the upper torso.

​Gonzalez died at the scene. Her boy was Hospitalized and later died.

Anyone with information on this shooting is urged to call the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Provide information anonymously by calling LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), through the P3Tips mobile app, or lacrimestoppers.org.