San Marino, CA - Man Found with Gunshot Wounds in Trunk of Car During Traffic Stop Near Los Robles Avenue and Monterey Road

San Marino, CA (April 28, 2026) - A man was discovered suffering from gunshot wounds inside the trunk of a vehicle during an early morning traffic stop in San Marino on April 28, 2026, setting off a homicide investigation led by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

According to the San Marino Police Department and the LASD, an officer conducted a traffic stop on a silver Ford sedan near the intersection of Los Robles Avenue and Monterey Road at approximately 2:30 a.m. As the officer approached the vehicle, the driver opened his door and fled on foot in an eastward direction. A male passenger who remained in the front seat was detained at the scene and has been identified as a person of interest. The identity of the passenger has not been publicly released.

Upon searching the vehicle, officers discovered an unresponsive male adult in the trunk with gunshot wounds to his upper torso. South Pasadena Fire Department paramedics treated the victim at the scene and transported him to a nearby hospital by ambulance in critical condition. Authorities initially reported the victim had died, but the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department later confirmed he was still alive, with his condition described as critical and death considered imminent, meaning his decline is believed to be irreversible.

The victim has not been publicly identified. Despite an extensive search of the surrounding area, the driver who fled on foot has not been located. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the LASD Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500

Legal Rights of Victims and Families in Violent Crime Cases

When a person is found critically injured under circumstances such as these, serious legal questions arise that go beyond the scope of a criminal investigation. Depending on the outcome and the facts that emerge, surviving family members may have civil legal options that exist entirely separate from any criminal proceedings.

Potential areas of civil consideration may include:

• Wrongful death claims under California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60, should the victim not survive
• Civil rights claims for the victim's medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages if he survives
• Claims against any parties whose conduct, whether direct or through negligence, contributed to the victim's injuries

Legal Rights of Victims and Families in Violent Crime Cases

When a person is found critically injured under circumstances such as these, serious legal questions arise that go beyond the scope of a criminal investigation. Depending on the outcome and the facts that emerge, surviving family members may have civil legal options that exist entirely separate from any criminal proceedings.

Potential areas of civil consideration may include:

• Wrongful death claims under California Code of Civil Procedure § 377.60, should the victim not survive
• Civil rights claims for the victim's medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages if he survives
• Claims against any parties whose conduct, whether direct or through negligence, contributed to the victim's injuries

Contact Our Los Angeles Civil Rights Attorney

The Law Offices of Christian Contreras represents victims and families throughout Los Angeles County, including the San Gabriel Valley, in cases involving serious violent crime, and wrongful death. Our team handles civil rights cases on a contingency fee basis — no upfront costs, no hourly fees.

Call (866) 837-1315 now for a free consultation.

Disclaimer

This page is attorney advertising and is provided for general informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Incident information is based on publicly available reports and may change as the investigation continues. The Law Offices of Christian Contreras is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any law enforcement or emergency response agency. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes, and no outcome is promised or implied.