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3rd Annual Vigil Held For LA County Sheriff's Explorer,19, Killed In Drive-By Shooting

WHITTIER (CBSLA.com) — A vigil was held Thursday for a 19-year-old man killed in a drive-by shooting three years ago.

CBS2's Juan Fernandez spoke with family and friends who gathered in the 19000 block of Laurel Avenue in remembrance of Cesar Rodriguez.

"We all want justice, that's what we want," said Lupe Rodriguez, mother of Cesar. "If anybody knows, if anybody has evidence, we want to bring this person to justice."

According to police, Rodriguez and Larry Villegas, 24, were standing in front of a Whittier residence in the 11800 block of Painter Avenue on Aug. 28, 2011.

Witnesses said the driver of a gray Scion pulled up around 3 a.m. and fired several shots with a handgun that killed both men.

"This person took my baby's life for no reason at all," Rodriguez said. "If you know who did it or you know of evidence, be brave. Be brave enough and come forward."

It was unclear if the resident of the home was the actual target of the shooting.

Rodriguez was a volunteer with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Explorer program for four years.

Colleagues said he worked his way up the ranks and even became an elite member of the program's color guard.

Rodriguez was a year away from reaching his dream of becoming a deputy and was described as "loving what he did."

His family told Fernandez that they plan to return at this time next year and walk to Amelia Mayberry Park as part of their annual tradition unless a suspect is found soon.

The motive of the double homicide remains unclear as police still do not have any leads for possible suspects.

RELATED:

Family Remembers LA County Sheriff's Explorer, 19, Killed In 2011 Drive-By

LA County Sheriff's Explorer, 19, Gunned Down In A Hail Of Bullets In Whittier Double Homicide

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