$20,000 Reward Offered 

July 25, 2024 – Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department officials report that on Wednesday, a press conference was held to seek the public’s assistance for information regarding the murder of Peter Chounthala and to identify a vehicle potentially involved in the crime. The Board of Supervisors has authorized a $20,000 reward, for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

On Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at approximately 2:02 A.M., deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Lakewood Station responded to a vehicle versus person hit-and-run incident at the intersection of Virginia Avenue and Artesia Boulevard, Bellflower, CA. When the deputies arrived, they found Mr. Peter Chounthala lying in the street with severe trauma to his upper torso.

Despite the efforts of Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel who arrived to provide medical assistance, Mr. Chounthala tragically succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators conducted a thorough search for surveillance footage and witnesses. It was determined that Mr. Chounthala was assaulted by at least two males and left lying in the street, where he was subsequently struck by a passing vehicle. The vehicle is described as a dark-colored, 2021 to 2023, Kia K-5, 4-door sedan. The suspects involved in the assault were last seen walking towards a nearby parking lot, and the driver of the vehicle was last seen traveling eastbound on Artesia Boulevard.

“We hope the people will have the courage to come forward and help investigators identify the persons responsible for this senseless act of violence and bring closure to the family.”- LASD LT. Patricia Thomas

Peter Chounthala was a dedicated husband and father to a three-year-old son. He served honorably as an active United States Marine, participating in tours in Afghanistan and various Marine Expeditionary Units.

“It may take 1 day or 100 years but believe me, they will find you no matter where you are... Please do the right thing and turn yourself in!”- Witpha Chounthala

“As a woman of faith, I would like to ask the public to please come forward and help bring justice for a great human being, a good man!”- Jurina Chounthala

Assigned to the Wounded Warrior Battalion and a Recovering Service Marine, Mr. Chounthala was deeply loved by his family, including his two younger sisters, and was known for his generosity, caring nature, and willingness to help those in need. His loss is deeply felt by all who knew him.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department urges anyone with information regarding this case to come forward. Your assistance is crucial in bringing justice for Peter Chounthala and his family.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.

View press release here.

If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google Play or the Apple App Store, or by using the website https://lacrimestoppers.org.

Source: Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

Source & photos: Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department