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Jaime Gabriel Butanda

Age 14

Azusa, California

Heading home, but never made it

He was so close: Close to school, just six minutes away from his friend’s house. Close to his grandfather, who called him “a good kid.” He rode his bike everywhere, a black beach cruiser.

One Tuesday after school, as he was visiting his friend, his grandfather texted him to come home and finish his homework. Shortly before 3 p.m., he texted his grandfather that he was on his way. But minutes later, that changed.

Jaime Gabriel Butanda,14, was shot to death on May 1, 2018, in the 300 block of South Enid Avenue in Azusa, California.

By Susana Torres · Age 16
Meet the Reporters

More than 300 athletes

Orlando Myron Anderson Jr.

He was so full of life

Jeremiah Ascencio

Last moments spent cradling his brother

Jayden Fondeur

His older brother found him first

Lorenzo Moore-Vaughn

About to start his senior year

Vicente Valero III

He was a modern Renaissance man

Zyhame Kila Jones

An artist, basketball player and car-lover

Ra’Quan Darius Jones

Didn’t get to see his GED

Sharon Castro

She always helped those who struggled

Brandon Nathan Tyson

Friday night lights end in tragedy

Ta Quan Pinkney

Bright future; gone too soon

Natwan Kian Holyfield

Supposed to go to homecoming, prom

James Alexzander Shorter

He’ll never taste grandma’s cookies again

Avi Liam Franco

He loved to learn and explore

Ray Glasgow III

Bench wears jersey instead of captain

Elisha Amon Cole

Dreaming big, working on his portfolio

Kendrick D. Davis

Not quite clear on his dreams

Jovontia Antonio Jones

A runner grieved by seven siblings

Ricky Lamar Green Jr.

His children never saw him box

Jontae Billups-Brooks

An athlete and a music lover

Taveon Donte' Brooks

Basketball point guard, would-be rapper