$20K REWARD OFFERED AFTER ARMY VETERAN ISMAEL ZABALA KILLED IN LANCASTER

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau Lieutenant Alfred announced a $20,000 reward sponsored by Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Fifth District, and the City of Lancaster in exchange for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Suspect Oscar Palazuelos for the murder of Ismael Zabala.

In the early morning hours of Sunday, December 20, 2020, 26-year-old Ismael Zabala, was shot and killed while enjoying a family celebration at a home on the 400 block of West Avenue J-12 in Lancaster.

Ismael Zabala served three years with distinction in the United States Army. He received an honorable discharge and is remembered as a good son with many friends who left a lasting impression by helping others.

The suspect, Oscar Palazuelos, allegedly shot and killed Ismael and also injured his brother Charlie after a confrontation at the gathering. Palazuelos is believed to be a member of the Los Angeles based street gang "Avenues". He is considered armed and dangerous. He may be in and out of the Antelope Valley area.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Oscar Palazuelos is asked to contact Sheriff's Homicide Bureau's Detective Toone at (323) 890-5500, Lancaster Station at (661) 948-8466 or anonymously by calling "CrimeStoppers" at (800) 222-8477.