Hernan Cardona, 60

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Hernan Cardona, a 60-year-old Latino man, was shot and killed outside an auto parts store about 10 p.m. Friday, April 18. Police said Cardona worked as a security guard at the Auto Zone at 1905 S. Western Ave. and exchanged gunfire with two black men wearing dark hooded sweatshirts. Then, according to Cardona’s son, Wilfredo Cardona, 34, his father attempted to help a wounded bystander. As he was checking on the man, the two gunmen shot Hernan Cardona three times from behind. He was struck in the head at least once, his son said. The motive for the shooting is still unknown, police said.

Hernan’s sister Miriam Cardona, 39, said her brother was from El Salvador. He was a father of seven and grandfather of five, she said. According to family, Hernan like to stay fit by lifting weights. He liked being outdoors and was fond of beef jerky and dry fish. His sister said they had planned on returning to El Salvador in November. Wilfredo said he last saw his dad on Monday. He said they both had lunch together. ‘I lost my dad and best friend,’ said Wilfredo. ‘He was valuable to me.’ See dispatch.

Anyone with information about the shooting can call Wilshire Homicide Detectives Kurt Wong and Javier Hernandez at (213) 473-0446