Teen Girl Killed in Arcadia Shooting as Her Boyfriend Is Found Critically Injured After Apparent Suicide Attempt

A teenage girl was fatally shot inside a California residence, and the man she was dating was later found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a separate incident in nearby Pasadena, authorities said. The two scenes prompted a major investigation across neighboring Los Angeles County communities.

The first shooting occurred around 11 a.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at a residence in the 800 block of West Huntington Drive in Arcadia. Police responded after receiving a report that a man inside the home had fired a gun.

When officers arrived, the suspect had already fled. Inside, they discovered a teenage girl suffering from a gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not publicly released her name.

Investigators with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department later identified the suspect as 20-year-old Paul Anthony Cruz Jr. According to authorities, Cruz had been in a dating relationship with the victim and allegedly forced his way into the residence before the shooting.

About an hour later, the investigation moved to Pasadena, where police encountered a man with a self-inflicted gunshot wound near South Arroyo Parkway and East Glenarm Street.

Authorities said Cruz shot himself as Pasadena police officers were preparing to contact him. He was transported to a hospital, with officials initially reporting that he was in critical condition.

Witnesses described a sudden and alarming scene in Pasadena. Michael Amini, a manager at a nearby auto body shop, told local media that workers heard a gunshot and looked outside to see a man lying face down. Officers arrived shortly afterward and secured the area.

The case has drawn attention because of the apparent connection between the two shootings and the young age of the victim. Investigators are working to establish the sequence of events and determine what led to the fatal confrontation.

Authorities have not publicly established a motive. The victim’s identity was being withheld pending notification of her family.

There have also been conflicting media reports about Cruz’s condition after he was taken to the hospital. While some initial reports described him as critically injured, other local coverage reported that he had died. His status should therefore be treated cautiously until authorities provide a definitive confirmation.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau is investigating the Arcadia killing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the bureau at (323) 890-5500. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Source:  NYPOST