$20,000 reward offered for information on pool party shooting that killed 17-year-old Southern California boy

A reward for suspect information has been extended after a 17-year-old boy was shot and killed at a pool party in Torrance earlier this year.

On June 18, Torrance police responded to a shooting on the 23000 block of Huber Avenue shortly before 9 p.m.

Officers found Chyler Paton, 17, had been shot and was unresponsive. Life-saving measures were administered, but he died from his injuries. Police found shell casings, but the suspect had fled.

Detectives initially said an investigation “yielded a person of interest that led to an arrest, but a case filing was not secured.” Police believe there are witnesses who can provide corroborating information.

On Nov. 4, Los Angeles County officials extended a $20,000 reward for information that leads to the conviction of the suspect responsible for Paton’s murder. The reward was previously announced in August.

Paton had just graduated from Culver City High School, where he was a member of the school’s football team. He was scheduled to start his freshman year at Cal State Dominguez Hills before he was killed. Family members described the teen as a loving son, brother, classmate and teammate.

“Chyler was robbed of the entire life ahead of him,” said L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn. “My heart breaks for his loved ones, and we’re going to do everything in our power to deliver justice, but we need the public’s help. Please speak up and help hold his killer responsible.”

At a June 26 vigil honoring the teen, a gunman was arrested after shots were fired during an altercation. The suspect in that incident, Jonathan Plater, 20, was later arrested. Police did not provide details on what caused the fight or whether Plater was known to the 17-year-old victim. 

Anyone with information on the case is urged to call the Torrance Police Department’s Detective Division at 310-618-5570 and mention case number 250021528.