The family of Ricardo Ramirez Jr. also called on state prosecutors to file criminal charges, against the LAPD vice sergeant involved in the shooting.
Ramirez was visiting Southern California after his high school graduation.
According to the LAPD, a plain-clothes sergeant was investigating a possible dispute between the occupants of two vehicles.
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The officer fired through his window, hitting and killing Ramirez.
"His journey was just beginning and that was taken away from us by a police vice sergeant from LAPD," said Ricardo Ramirez Sr. of his son.
"The only thing Ricky did that led to his death is 'Why are you?' and he was shot in the chest and killed, arms out hands open, no weapon," said Christopher Dolan, the family's attorney.
The shooting is being investigated by State Attorney General Rob Bonta.