Norwalk man killed in shooting at South Gate equestrian center

SOUTH GATE – A Norwalk man was fatally shot after a fight broke out during a party at an equestrian center in South Gate over the weekend, authorities said.

The shooting was reported about 5:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, in the stable area of the equestrian center in the 5500 block of Leeds Street, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Lt. Christopher Oakley. The incident was first reported by the Whittier Daily News.

Juan Toro, 45, was attending a party at the location when a fight erupted and gunfire followed, Oakley said. Toro died at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner.

Most of the people who were at the party fled before deputies arrived, Oakley said.

Detectives have not determined what sparked the fight or whether Toro was directly involved in the altercation. No suspect description was available as of Monday.

Anyone with information about the shooting, including possible surveillance video, is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips may be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or through lacrimestoppers.org.