Agustin Villegas, Shot Dead on 91 Freeway, Subject of Funeral Crowdfunding: Update

See the update at the end of this post with details on how you can contribute to funeral crowdfunding for Agustin Villegas, who leaves behind a wife and four children.

ORIGINAL POST, JULY 15, 8:55 A.M.: A 32-year-old Anaheim man was shot to death Monday night while riding as a passenger in a truck that was fired upon on the 91 freeway.

Agustin Villegas, who was pronounced dead at the scene, was among four males in the white Ford F-150 and among two who were shot, according to a statement from Anaheim Police Lt. Bob Dunn. The department spokesman's agency, Anaheim Fire and Rescue and the California Highway Patrol responded to a 9-1-1 call at 8:09 p.m. about a possible shooting on the westbound 91 east of the 57 freeway. That's where the truck's front windows suddenly shattered, Villegas slumped over, and he became unresponsive, Dunn said.

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The 42-year-old driver, who was the cousin of Villegas, was also hit by gunfire, but he managed to steer the truck to the triangular gore point of the westbound 91 freeway at the 57 freeway interchange, which is where he and his son made the 9-1-1 call and emergency personnel found them. The unidentified driver was taken to a local hospital and is expected to survive his injuries, Dunn said.

The sons of Villegas and his cousin, who are ages 13 and 15, were riding in the truck's back seat but were unharmed physically in the shooting, according to Dunn, who reports they were taken to the police station for interviews.

“Initial reports indicated a possible suspect vehicle description of a black or dark Honda Accord,” Dunn states. “At this time, this information is unsubstantiated as the suspect(s) are unknown and unidentified. Villegas has no known criminal ties and is the sole provider for his family. The motive for his murder is unknown.”

Because there is so much traffic on the freeway at that time–just after 8 p.m. on a weekday–police believe there must be witnesses with information that “could help bring this killer(s) to justice.” If that is you, call Orange County Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP-OCCS, visit www.occrimestoppers.org or text OCCS and your tip to CRIMES (274637). You may remain anonymous.

UPDATE, JULY 16, 10:10 A.M.: Reyna Villegas, the wife of the slain Agustin Villegas, has turned to crowdfunding to help defray funeral costs.

“Agustin Villegas moved on to a better place on 7/15/14. He leaves behind a wife and 4 kids. We ask that you please help with funeral costs,” read the GiveForward.com pitch.

“A fatal shooting on the 91 Freeway in Anaheim created a nightmare for our family on Monday July 14, 2014. Agustin Villegas was shot and killed in front of 2 of his 4 kids. Being the sole provider for his family we ask that you please help his wife and 4 kids with funeral costs. At this point any little bit helps.”

As of a few minutes ago, 21 donations had raised $1,122 toward a $12,000 goal (or 9 percent). There are 92 days left to give.

Email: mc****@oc******.com. Twitter: @MatthewTCoker. Follow OC Weekly on Twitter @ocweekly or on Facebook!

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