schools
Man sentenced for murder of 17-year-old honors student killed outside El Sereno taco shop
By Kelli Johnson at FOX 11 Los Angeles (KTTV)
· July 1, 2026
· 1 min read
David Anthony Zapata was sentenced to 24 years to life for the murder of 17-year-old Xavier Chavarin, as well as the attempted murder of Daniel Villalobos, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office announced.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The sentencing of David Anthony Zapata brings a measure of closure to the El Sereno community, where the murder of 17-year-old Xavier Chavarin outside a local torta shop sent shockwaves. This case is a stark reminder of the impact of violence on Los Angeles' vibrant commercial corridors, where family-owned businesses like the torta shop are integral to the community's fabric. The fact that a fatal shooting occurred in such a setting underscores the need for continued collaboration between local business owners, residents, and law enforcement to ensure public safety. As the community moves forward, it will be crucial to monitor how the city supports small businesses in high-crime areas, balancing the need for economic development with the imperative of protecting residents and customers. The outcome of this case may also inform future discussions about community policing and violence prevention initiatives in Los Angeles.
About this story
Original reporting by FOX 11 Los Angeles (KTTV) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit FOX 11 Los Angeles (KTTV) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: schools ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: FOX 11 Los Angeles (KTTV) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? David Anthony Zapata was sentenced to 24 years to life for the murder of 17-year-old Xavier Chavarin, as well as the attempted murder of Daniel Villalobos, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office announced.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by FOX 11 Los Angeles (KTTV) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Kelli Johnson at FOX 11 Los Angeles (KTTV). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more schools coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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