[Updated] Pasadena Boy Struck by Stray Bullet and Killed at Home

Pasadena Police (File photo – ColoradoBlvd.net)

On November 20, 2021, at approximately 6:12 pm, officers from the Pasadena Police Department responded to a residence in the 900 block of N. Raymond Avenue regarding a victim struck by gunfire.

By News Desk

At the residence, officers found an unresponsive 13-year old male resident of Pasadena who had a gunshot wound. The officers immediately began providing emergency lifesaving medical care to the unnamed boy. Pasadena Fire Department paramedics transported the boy to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. Later it was determined a single bullet entered a window of the home, striking the boy while he was playing a video game in his bedroom.

Detectives from the Pasadena Police Department’s Robbery/Homicide Unit responded to the crime scene to begin immediate follow-up investigation. The suspect(s) and motive are unknown at this time, and investigators are attempting to determine the identity of the intended target(s).

The Pasadena Police Department is asking anyone with information to call (626)-744-4241 or report information anonymously by calling “Crime Stoppers” at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).

No further details were available as the investigation is still active and ongoing.

Update: 11-21-21

• 7:47 am

– Police Chief John Perez will be in front of Pasadena City Hall (100 N. Garfield Ave.) at 9:00 am today) with an update.

• 12:00 pm

– Pasadena Police Chief, John E. Perez, said there’s a gang rivalry currently happening in the city:

We don’t know who did this yet, but we will. We will catch these criminals and we will catch them quick.

• 10:35 pm

– The boy was identified by family as Iran Moreno-Balvaneda, an 8th grader at PUSD’s Blair High.

– Pasadena Education Network (PEN) issued the following statement via social media:

It is with great sorrow we share that the 13-year old Pasadena boy who was tragically shot & killed last evening has been identified as Iran Moreno Balvaneda, an 8th grade student at Blair High.

On behalf of the PEN family we extend our most sincere condolences to his family, friends, and teachers.

– Early Sunday evening, Pasadena Councilmember John J. Kennedy issued a statement pleading with anyone who knows about the incident to turn the perpetrator in: “As diverse peoples and diverse communities, we must stand up and stand together. Justice must be done; it is up to us to speak out and not remain silent.” (Read Kennedy’s full statement).

– A memorial outside the boy’s house grew all night long with people dropping off candles and flowers.

Update: 11-22-21

• 12:12 pm

– Pasadena Mayor, Victor Gordo, City Councilmembers along with Deputy Police Chief Cheryl Moody will address the increase in violence in the city and the shooting of a 13-year old this past Saturday. The address will take place at 4:00 pm at City Hall.

– Today’s City Council meeting has been cancelled and will be re-scheduled for next Monday at 4:30 pm.

• 12:42 pm

– An account has been set up to accept donations for the Moreno-Balvaneda family. (Click on this link).

• 1:00 pm

– PTA Council of PUSD:

This weekend, unspeakable tragedy has befallen a family within our educational community.

The life of Iran Moreno-Balvaneda was suddenly cut short by a stray bullet entering his bedroom from an outside shooting. He was an 8th grader at Blair High and Middle School. Suddenly taken from us was a wonderful young man and an excellent student with a bright future ahead of him.

We at PTA Council are beset with grief due to this unimaginable loss. Pasadena Educational Foundation has established a fund to help his family with the unbearable task of putting to rest their beautiful child. Please consider donating to the Iran Moreno-Balvaneda fund today and please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.

• 5:30 pm

– City leaders and Deputy Police Chief spoke at City Hall about the shooting of a 13-year-old PUSD student.

Mayor Gordo said:

We can’t continue to take the same approach to public safety in this city or region and expect different results.

Councilman John J. Kennedy reiterated what he said in his statement on Sunday night about the need for the shooter to turn themselves in.

Councilwoman Jess Rivas said:

This is a much larger problem. It’s one that we must solve because every child in their city deserves to be safe in our neighborhoods, on our streets, in our schools or parks, and especially in their own homes.

Deputy Police Chief Cheryl Moody encouraged the public to contact the police department with any information.

• 6:30 pm

– Maria Mungui, a family friend of the Moreno-Balvaneda family, spoke to CBS2 about the tragedy: “You’re at your house thinking you are safe as well and you can’t be safe anywhere. This community, this city, is just too dangerous. He grew up such a loving kid with the biggest smile on his face.”

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