Los Angeles Father Allegedly Shoots Sons Aged 4 and 11 Dead in Broad Daylight After McDonald's Trip

Two brothers aged four and 11 were fatally shot in Los Angeles on Sunday, 11 October, following an outing with their father that reportedly included a visit to McDonald's.

Relatives identified the boys as Jimmy Gramajo, four, and Osmani Gramajo, 11, and their father as 35-year-old Adolfo Gramajo, NBC Los Angeles reported. Police said the children's father allegedly shot them before turning the gun on himself. Both boys died in the hospital, while their father survived and remains in custody receiving treatment.

What Happened After the Reported McDonald's Trip?

NBC Los Angeles, citing law enforcement sources, reported that the brothers were spending time with their father during a custody visit and had been taken to McDonald's before the shooting.

Those details were not included in LAPD's published statement. Although the reported outing provides context about the hours before the shooting, authorities have not publicly explained what led to the violence.

According to police, officers from LAPD's Olympic Division responded at approximately 12.49pm to reports of a shooting near Venice Boulevard and Catalina Street in the city's Pico-Union neighbourhood.

Officers found both children suffering from gunshot wounds, alongside their father, who had an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics transported all three to local hospitals for treatment.

Despite emergency medical efforts, both boys were pronounced dead. Their father survived and was placed in police custody while receiving hospital treatment.

In its statement dated 12 October, LAPD confirmed the victims' ages and identified the suspect as their 35-year-old father, without publicly naming him. Investigators said no additional suspects were being sought and there was no continuing threat to the community.

The New York Post subsequently reported that the suspect had been booked on suspicion of murder, with bail set at $4 million (about £3.02 million). However, LAPD's published statement did not name the suspect.

Family Identifies the Two Young Victims

The boys' grandparents identified them to NBC Los Angeles as Jimmy and Osmani Gramajo. The broadcaster also reported their father's name based on information provided by his parents.

Relatives and friends described the brothers as happy children as they mourned their deaths.

Their aunt, Maria Lopez, told NBC Los Angeles: 'They were so sweet, really good kids.'

Carlos Aguilar, a family friend, also paid tribute to the children, telling the broadcaster: 'They never did anything wrong to anyone. They were always happy, never wanted to hurt anyone. They were innocent.'

The family's accounts provided the first public identification of the brothers following the shooting. LAPD's initial statement confirmed their ages but did not name either child.

Tributes appeared near the intersection where the shooting took place. According to MyNewsLA, flowers, candles and balloons were placed close to the scene as relatives and community members mourned the boys.

Police Investigation Continues as Motive Remains Unknown

LAPD's Juvenile Division is leading the investigation into the double homicide. Police have not publicly disclosed what prompted the shooting or established whether a particular dispute preceded it.

Although NBC Los Angeles reported that the children were with their father during a custody visit, that circumstance does not, on its own, establish a custody-related motive. Any conclusion about why the shooting happened would go beyond the information authorities have released.

The suspect remains in custody while receiving hospital treatment. Police have appealed for information from anyone who witnessed the incident or knows relevant details. Anyone with information is asked to contact LAPD Juvenile Division Detective Wilfredo Ortiz on 213-486-0530.

Anonymous information can also be provided to Crime Stoppers on 800-222-8477.