Tuesday, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion introduced by Supervisor Kathryn Barger that reestablishes a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Oscar Palazuelos–a suspect in the murder of 26-year-old Army veteran Ismael Zabala in Lancaster. 

Mr. Zabala was shot and killed in front of his family members while standing at the front door of a residence in the 400 block of West Avenue J-12 in Lancaster during his cousin’s birthday party on December 20, 2020. His brother, Charlie Zabala, was also injured by gunfire but survived the attack.

“Nearly four years have passed since Ismael’s life tragically ended and his loved ones continue to feel the terrible pain of his loss,” said Supervisor Barger. “It is unconscionable that he was murdered in front of his family. I remain hopeful that reestablishing this $10,000 reward will encourage someone to step forward and provide a critical tip so an arrest can be made. Justice must  be served.” 

Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Homicide Investigators have identified Oscar Palazuelos as a suspect in the murder of Mr. Zabala and have a warrant for his arrest. 

Anyone with information about this case can anonymously contact the Los Angeles Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1(800) 222-TIPS (8477) or submit a tip online at lacrimestoppers.org. 

Tips and information can also be reported directly to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau by dialing (323) 890-5554 and speaking with Lieutenant Michael Gomez or Sergeant Cynthia Toone.

Ed. Note: The above information was provided to KHTS Radio by Supervisor Barger’s Office.

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