A tragic road-rage related shooting on December 15, 2023, in Lancaster, California, resulted in the death of four-year-old Gor Adamyan. The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. in the 44600 block of Sierra Highway.

The episode began with Byron Burkhurt, 29, and Alexandria Gentile, 27, both with alleged gang affiliations, forcefully cutting in front of the vehicle of the Adamyan family. After a chase through several streets, the suspects aligned their car with the one carrying Gor and his parents, Meri Adamyan and Levon Tantushyan, at which point gunfire erupted from the suspects’ vehicle. The child, who was in the back seat, suffered a gunshot wound to his upper torso.

Gor’s parents immediately drove him to a hospital, but despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the medical facility. There were no physical injuries reported for the parents.

Quick action by the Lancaster Sheriff’s Department led to the arrest of Burkhurt and Gentile, who were subsequently booked into the Los Angeles County Jail on suspicion of murder.

The city’s recent implementation of Flock Safety automated license plate recognition technology played a pivotal role in the swift capture of the suspects, underscoring its effectiveness in crime reduction.

Expressing his deep distress, Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris reflected on the incident, emphasizing its unforeseeable impact on any family and the efficacy of the city’s technological solutions in crime prevention.

This incident adds to a national pattern of gun violence impacting children. According to statistics from the Gun Violence Archive, shootings this year have claimed the lives of over 280 children under the age of 12.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is actively investigating the case and appeals to the public for any information regarding the incident, directing them to contact its Homicide Bureau.