Defending His Family, Taco Shop Owner Gunned Down in Lynwood

A 65-year-old grandfather was gunned down early this morning at one of two taco shops he owned, and his killers remained at large.

The shooting occurred about 12:30 a.m. at La Playita Mariscos in the 11020 block of South Atlantic Avenue. Jose Padilla, who was shot about 10 times in the chest, died at a hospital, said coroner's Chief Craig Harvey.

"Detectives have learned that the victim was confronted inside (his) seafood restaurant by three armed black males, when he was shot," according to a sheriff's department statement.

As of 4 p.m., sheriff's detectives had not confirmed whether robbery was the motive for the shooting.

Craig Harvey of the coroner's office said there was no known connection between the suspects and the victim, who had six children and 11 grandchildren.

Miriam Padilla told ABC7 her father "was a good man with a good heart" who opened the eatery 17 years ago, and later opened a second location in Compton. She said the suspects were "cowards who didn't go out and work like my father had."

The suspects may have followed the victim from his Compton eatery, according to the station.

Padilla pulled out a pistol and tried to defend himself and the four family members who were closing up the business when the killers barged in.

The suspects fled in a vehicle, but no description was available.

Anyone with information about the crime was urged to call the sheriff's department at (323) 890-5500, or Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.

--City News Service