Chula Vista

Third Person Arrested in Killing of Teen at Sunset View Park in Chula Vista

The suspects under arrest are 18, 16 and 22 years old, the Chula Vista Police Department said

The scene of a homicide investigation at Sunset View Park in Chula Vista.
NBC 7

The scene of a homicide investigation at Sunset View Park in Chula Vista.

A third person suspected in the killing of a 17-year-old at Sunset View Park in Chula Vista has been arrested, police said Thursday.

Deonte Martinez, 22, surrendered peacefully to investigators at the Chula Vista Police Department for the March 11 shooting death of the teenager, CVPD Lt. Dan Peak said.

Martinez was booked into county jail on the charge of homicide after the investigation determined Martinez also shot the victim, Peak said.

Two teenagers suspected of their role in the homicide were arrested on Tuesday.

Larry Bradford, 18, was booked into county jail on the charge of accessory to the murder and one minor, who is 16 years old, was booked into Juvenile Hall on the charge of homicide.

The Chula Vista Police Department is currently trying to locate any witnesses to this incident. Anyone who may have any information regarding this incident is asked to contact San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477 or CVPD at 619-691-5151.

The investigation is ongoing.

Authorities in Eastlake are investigating a homicide after a 17-year-old boy was shot at a park.

The Deadly Shooting at Sunset View Park

On March 11, at around 7:20 p.m., Chula Vista police were called to Sunset View Park on South Greensview Drive to investigate reports of gunshots.

When officers arrived, they found the teenage victim on the ground in the parking lot. He had been shot. The teen was taken to Scripps Mercy Hospital, but he did not survive.

According to investigators, the teen went to the park with some acquaintances that evening and, while at the park, the group got into a fight. After the fight, two of the suspects pulled out guns and fired on the victim.

Peak said the motive behind the fight and the shooting is unknown.

Because the victim was only 17, police have not released his name.

Chula Vista Leaders Denounce Violence in Community

Chula Vista City Councilman Steve Padilla released a statement following the teen’s deadly shooting at Sunset View Park. As a parent, Padilla said he could “not imagine what this young person’s family must be going through right now.”

“My heart goes out to the family and their loved ones during this very difficult time....As the investigation progresses, I am in constant communication with the chief of police to monitor the situation. Ensuring that the necessary resources are available to keep our communities safe is my highest priority,” Padilla’s statement said.

Chula Vista City Councilmember John McCann said in a NextDoor post earlier this month that the city was adding police patrols around the park.

McCann said he has a personal connection to the area.

"Sunset View Park is a family park where I helped coach both my sons in soccer," McCann said. "So, I share the concerns with you and our community.”

Another shooting took place at Sunset View Park on March 6. In that incident, a 15-year-old boy was shot but survived. The CVPD said investigators have not established that those shootings were in any way connected.

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