'I watched the life just leave his body'

The circumstances of street shootings often dictate that the victims' loved ones are on hand to watch them die.

The reasons are simple: Victims are commonly murdered in public spaces not far from their homes. Friends and relatives hear shots and run out in time to watch a son, husband or brother bleed to death.

This is what befell Angela Cooke on Sunday afternoon, June 10.

Her son, Rodney Elijah Love, 15, was a 5-foot, 11-inch teenager with a ready smile, a honey brown complexion, and light brown eyes. He loved Dave Chapelle and anything that had to do with comedy. He loved hats. He liked talking to girls. He was a student at Reseda High, but Cooke had just allowed him to transfer to Westchester so that he could play football.

Cooke had plans for him. "To get a college degree, and get himself out of this neighborhood," she said. Rodney had to get up at 5 a.m. to catch the school bus to the San Fernando Valley: he wasn't allowed to ride MTA buses. He was barely allowed to go outside. He stayed in their apartment near Western Avenue and West 80th Street, playing with the Internet for hours. He would entertain himself by taking pictures, striking tough poses for self-portraits such as the one at left, though in reality he had to ask permission even to go the corner. Rodney had never been part of the local street scene, according to a tattooed young man from the neighborhood. He was "Just a little boy, with nothing to do with gang bangin'," he said.

On Sunday afternoon, Rodney had a friend visiting. He begged Cooke to allow them to go outside. She felt bad that he had been cooped up all weekend. Stay close, she had told him. She checked on him twice out the window. She lay down for a nap.

Shots jarred her awake. After that, "Everything happened in slow motion," she said.

There was a neighbor in the stairwell saying someone had been shot. Cooke called down the stairs: "Is it Rodney? Is it Rodney?" The neighbor turned reluctant eyes toward her, speechless. Cooke ran down, saw Rodney, grabbed her phone.

She got a recorded message when she called 911. She tried and tried. In desperation, she dropped to her knees next to her son. She prayed. He was alive. His eyes seemed to be trying to look at her. Then they ceased. "I watched the life just leave his body," she said.

Time was passing. Her outrage grew. Patrol cars showed up before aid cars. "Why?," Cooke demanded. An officer tried to explain the policy: At L.A. shooting scenes, paramedics are sometimes directed to wait until officers give them clearance to avoid being shot themselves. Cooke absorbed this. Later, at California Hospital, she begged to see the body, but was denied.

On Monday, she paced the small apartment, seemingly unable to remain still, constantly breaking into tears. She recounted details in rapid succession, and returned again to one theme:

"I constantly said, 'I have to keep my son safe. I have to protect him from these streets," she said. "I knew where he was at all times. I figured I would let him go outside for a few  hours. It should be OK." She closed her eyes for a moment. "He was downstairs at his own house. He's got to be safe there."

Comments

[Mia]

I must say i respect this woman for the way she raised her son. Its sad tho cause he was an innocent young boy that didnt deserve to lose his life. It absolutely amazes me the way people are these days. Just yesterday a friend of mine was sitting in front of his own home and someone on a bike rode up and shot him. I dont see how people can be so heartless. I dont understand how the ppl n the white house can go overseas to other countries trying to help them an cant even help their own citizens. I am only 20 years old and i get real nervous thinking about the direction in which we're all headed. Everything seems so downhill and no 1 seems so b doin anything about it. My heart goes out to the families of these victims.

To Ms Cooke... i applaud you for the way you brought your young man up. Young black males need more parents like you. It hurt my heart reading this because i know he didnt deserve it and i know he didnt mean any harm. Always remember he is with the Lord now. Safe from this cruel heartless world.

Mia

[Anonymous LA Reader]

A couple thoughts..

As I was thinking about taking a look at this blog, what went into my head were thoughts of "Where the hell are the parents of LA's youth today??" Well, there was Angela Cooke. Doing the right thing, being there, doing literally everything a mother could possibly do and more. But in the end what did it matter? All it took was an instant of random violence that is so familiar to our city and her son is cruelly taken from her.

I'm very fortunate to live in a part of the city with a very low crime rate. Reading some of these stories almost contributes to a bunker-like mentality and it's not surprising that some people don't want to leave their apartments or homes to go outside!

Guns aren't making this situation better, but neither could anyone ever convince people who live in violent neighborhoods that a gun won't really make them safer. People need to feel like they have some control over their destiny, and not simply resigned to being at the bottom of the food chain waiting to be savaged by others. It's a completely understandable human desire. Until people feel safe, LA will continue to be awash in guns. It seems the only real solution would be a police presence so overt and massive that it would put the former East Germany to shame. But who wants that? Is there any hope??

[Tiffany from Compton]

To Ms. Cooke I will keep you and your family in my prayers. As a mother of a young child I can't even stomach the thought of her leaving this world. I know life has phases that sometimes we don't agree with or understand. I know it is selfish and unrealistic but it my mind it just don't make sense for a mother to bury her child, that's just the mother side of me. God Bless you Ms. Cooke the Lord can give you comfort in this pain. Family,Friends, Neighbors please be a support system for this sister because she will need it.

[K.Winn]

My heart goes out to Ms. Cooke..no words can express my sorrow. May the prayers of the righteous help you thru these trying days to come when you finally bury your son. When Lord will these senseless killings stop?

[sunnyside2day]

I live in Wisconsin, but my daughter lives in LA. The violence in LA is absolutely my worst fear. (Thus one of the reasons I keep posted with news from LA on a regular basis.)

This mother tried so hard. My heart and prayers go out to her. Her life has been shattered by senseless violence forever. And neither she nor her son did anything wrong.

I guess I will never understand why people have to hurt each other. What is the point?

[L. D.]

Ms. Cooke, I will pray for you. I was raised in that area and lived at 74th & Western when my only son was born 7 years ago. Because I was afraid for his life I moved to another State.

I don't know what to say, you did all the right things, sending him out of the City for school and not allowing him to hang out, doing everything to keep him safe.....

Who did this, does anybody value life?

[Meleah Dai'Re]

Dear Ms. Cooke,

When I decided to read this blog, I did not realize how close to home it hit. I am twenty years old and for a short time I lived on 70th St. and Western Ave, so I am very familiar with the area. I’ve watched a countless number of families, including mine, loose loved ones due to random shootings. It is a shame to see so many young people die because of the hatred in someone else’s heart. At this moment rely on your family and friends to help during this time of need. But most importantly rely on God; try to remember, “ I can do everything through Christ who STRENGTHENS me (Philippians 4:13)!!!” I will keep you and your family in my prayers!!! God Bless

Meleah

[Meleah Dai'Re]

Ms. Cooke,

When I decided to read this blog, I did not realize how close to home it hit. I am twenty years old and for a short time I lived on 70th St. and Western Ave, so I am very familiar with the area. I’ve watched a countless number of families, including mine, loose loved ones due to random shootings. It is a shame to see so many young people die because of the hatred in someone else’s heart. At this moment rely on your family and friends to help during this time of need. But most importantly rely on God; try to remember, “ I can do everything through Christ who STRENGTHENS me (Philippians 4:13)!!!” I will keep you and your family in my prayers!!! God Bless

Meleah

[JALISA REED]

IM VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSE.I NEW RODNEY MYSELF AND HE DIDNT DESERVE ANY OF THIS .IWANTED TO SAY MY FAMILY IS PRAYING TO HELP YOU THREW THIS TIME OF NEED.BUT HE IS HAPPY,IN A BETTER PLACE AND IS WATCHING AND GUIDING YOU .HE IS BETTER AND SAFER IN HEAVEN THAN IN THIS WORLD.YOUR IN MY PRAYERS

[DEBRA WILLIAMS]

Hello Ms. Cooke, i cant say i feel your pain because i never lost any one that was so close, but i do feel pain, because i went to school with Rodney, he would forever be remember in my heart,your son was honestly a great kid, and will be missed! I have a recording he made on my phone, he him self is not shown but his voice is heard, as long as that phone is mine, that recording will never be deleted, may your baby rest in peace, god bless you and your family, and remember your in my prayers
with love
Debra

[bro ham]

oh man...the story is touching

sorry about your loss

RIP

[Dale Warner]

all love and respect to you ms Cook. i wish i could say/do something to ease the pain you must be going through. i promise to make an attempt at telling your tragedy to all who will listen.
more people need to hear about good people like you in these areas trying to do what's right.
i know for many of you it's been an up hill battle and please know that there are people in surrounding communities who do care.
to chalk this young man up as another statistic in south central is a tragedy in of itself.

[Janice Weeden]

Ms. Cooke: My heart goes out to you. I live in Milwaukee, WI but my son lives in California (San Jose) and this is why I try to keep up with the California news as well since he travels back and forth to LA from San Jose. He has already been a victim of gang violence but thank God he was beaten rather then shot. He lost part of his sight in his right eye. I have tried to talk him into returning to Milwaukee but he is settled there now.

I don't understand why these young kids are killing so much. Our crime rate here has went up tremendously to where as we are making National news. This has got to stop. You are in my prayers.

[LILY]

Time passes so fast that in a blink of an eye someone we loved is gone. Mythoughts and prayers got out to you MS. Cooke. i have also lost a family member to gun violence. It depresses me knowing that innocent lives are lost the time we think they are the safes. may GOD bless you and your family.

[Kameron Blaze]

Ms. Cooke -
My prayer go out to you and ypur family. I am so sorry for your loss. I understand all to well what you are going through. I have already buried both of my brothers behind the madness in South LA. I will pray for you and Rodney and for the Lord to comfort you both right now. Once again I am deeply sorry for your loss and pain.

Kam

[Kenya]

To Ms.Cooke
My heart goes out to you and your family. Times like this is hard to understand, but it brings us closer to GOD. As I type your son is up there watching you and letting you know everything is okay. He is someone very important as we all are but it did is work and it was time for him to go home. I hope everyday will get more easy for you and your loved ones. I will pray for you and your baby boy .

[marie richardson]

I am so sorry for your loss. May God bless and keep you. Stay strong.

[LaQuita Suggs]

To Ms. Cooke,

I am so sadden to read about the tragic loss of your son. Life is so short and I have discovered that no matter how long we live having life stripped away tragically is the most devastating thing. On April 29th my mother was stabbed while she waited for a bus in Compton and I still toil day to day with ways that this could have been avoided. Your son like my mother did not deserve to die and I pray that the Lord will be with you as you journey through this difficult time. One thing that helped me is to journal day to day about what I was feeling. I have two sons and I can't imagine the addition grief that is added. I say that because even though my mom was murdered, it's sort of natural for the parent to go first. I am so sorry for your loss. People tell me that one day it will be better and I am waiting to see that day.

[Robert and Jacquelyn Cammon]

Ms. Cooke,
Our prayers are with you and your loved ones. Words are never enough to heal a heart that has been shattered by senseless, needless and violent pain in the loss of one so beautiful, promising and young. But knowing that others care is a comfort. It may not seem like it to you right now but in the days to come it will become clear that God is in control. We don't know how many more of Abel's blood must cry from the ground before the legal system hears and acts. But we do know that our God knows what it feels like to watch a son die for somthing he didn't do on behalf of an ungrateful sinful people. We do know that he loves us beyond this life. We also know that he will not allow us to endure more than we can bear and will make a way for us get through our suffering. All we have to do is trust Him.

Ms. Cooke, mourn for the loss of your son. But not as one without hope. A brighter day will come. Trust God, be prayerful and seek His word for comfort and healing. We are keeping you in our prayers.

[B. Thomas]

Ms. Cooke, it is with heartfelt synpathy that I write this email to you. Like you I keep a tight rein over my 14-year old, even dreading to let him walk the 1/2 block to the store in my Hawthorne neighborhood. It is my biggest fear that the one time I do allow him to leave the house on his own that he will not return. Against your better judgement, your biggest fear was realized on that dreadful day. I pray that GOD will provide you with a peace that surpasses all understanding, and the courage to continue to seek him even in the midst of your sorrow. Your loss reiterates to me to hold the reins even tighter, for I know not the day or the hour when the LORD may seek one of my sons. Whatever you do, don't turn away from GOD, you loved your son, however GOD loved him best. Take comfort in knowing that what ever GOD decides to do, he does not make any mistakes. GOD Bless. B. Thomas

[Lisa Chatman]

Angie,

I send my love to you in this trying time. Remember Rodney will always be in your heart. If you need anything I'll be there.

Lisa

[Reader from Riv Co.]

My heart breaks for this mother. I have absolulely nothing in common with her, except that I too, am a mother and this is my worst nightmare. Tragedy crosses social, racial, religious and age differences.

Pain is pain, and if I could take some of hers for her, I would.

[Kathryn]

My thoughts and prayers are with you Ms Cooke

[Ebony]

I am so sorry to hear about your young son. I will keep you in my prayers and may your sons soul rest in peace. I too am a mother of 2 young boys and I keep them sheltered fot the same reasons you kept your son sheltered. They should be able to play outside with no fear of being killed. Your story has reminded me that I am not too protective, and that they should stay in the house. You stay strong the person or persons responsible for killing your son will be brought to justice.

[S. Lawrence]

Angela,

I have known of you for a number of years, through my Brother. He has always spoke of you. I had the destinct priviledge of meeting you and setting down talking to you exactly one week before June 10th. I was able to identify with you and see that you are a wonderful friend in my Brother's life and learned that you also knew my other Brother, who had been taken by the streets of L.A.

I live off of Western in So. Central. I have tried to live a life of its not where you live, but who you are and if you live with God and His Son, Jesus, in your heart that will make all the difference. Unfortunately, we are in a time where the people in our environment is taking the good with the bad.

I did not have a chance to meet Rodney, my Brother/Nephew spoke well of him. I have a young son and grandson, who I am trying to raise in accordance to the way you raised Rodney and two daughters. I have left L.A. several of times and returned. I know with these two precious boys, I will have to leave again or they will leave.

June 10th I received a call from my Brother to come and pick up his son so he could be with you. I remember looking at your face without knowing Rodney took his last breath in your arms, but knowing you already knew, he was with our Father. On that day two of the most over-whelming things occurred. I went to the Church to tell your Father and had to remember on Sunday almost the same hour, same hospital my other Brother was loss.

When I received the call from my Brother saying Rodney was no longer with us, I cried. I cried for Rodney, I cried for the way the world has become, I cried for Sundays. Sundays, a day we are suppose to love and respect our Father, His Son and ourselves.

Angela, my prayers go up for you and your family.

Thank you for being a great friend to my Brother and I look forward to seeing you again.

Sisters in Christ,

[eriucka]

im sorry for your lost i just lost afmily member on 06-04-07,also 07-04-04 and i could imagine how you feel i have a 18 yrs old child that just graduadte on 06-21-07 and had my uncle funeral on the 19th hie was killed in compton.all i can say is to be strong and its okay to cry people tell me to stop crrying for my lost i m a care for me and I CRY FOR YOUR CHILD AND KEEP YOU IN MY PRAYS IM SENDING MY SON AWAY UP NORTH TO COLLEGE AND I PRAY THAT HE WILL BE OKAY I TRY TO PROTEST MY KIDS BUT I CANT KEEP THEM UNDER MY WINGS I HAVE TO LET GO. SO TAKE DAY BY DAY AND I KNOW IT S HARD JUST PRAY AND GOD WILLFIND A WAY FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ALSO MINES

[DALLISS TOY]

MS.COOKE

I CANT SAY THAT I FEEL UR PAIN BUT I DO KNOW WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO LOOSE SOME1 THAT U CHERISH AND LOVE. I LOST MY FATHER A COUPLE OF YEARS BACK AND THAT WAS By FAR THE HARDEST THING IVE EVER HAD to DEAL WITH. BUT THEN I REALIZED THAT HE WASNT SUFFERING ANYMORE IN THIS SOMETIMES{CRUEL} WORLD

BUT I JUST WANTED TO LET U KNOW THAT I AM TRULY SADENED BY THE DEATH OF RODNEY I AM NOT GOING TO SIT HERE AND PUT UP A FRONT LIEK WE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN COOL. BUT SINCE FEBEUARY WHEN I STARTED RIDING THE BUS TOGETHER WITH HIM WE BECAME BASICALLY LIEK BESTFRIENDS. HE WAS TRULY LIEK MY OTHER HALF ALWAYS KNEW HOW TO CHEER ME UP WHEN NO ONE ELSE COULD. BUT I JUST WANT TO SAY YOU AND THE REST OF YOUR FAMILY THAT YOU WILL REMAIN IN MY PRAYERS

AND I ALSO WOULD LIKE TO DEDCATE MY FAV SONG TO HIM YOLONDA ADAMS {THIS BATTLE IS NOT YOURS}

*DALLISS* {RESEDA HIGH SCHOOL}

[jackie]

damn mrs cook. im sorry for your loss. we all miss rodney. i remember the first time he talked to me. he would flirtr so much. even when i was with my boyfriend. i miss him always goin around always asking for money.

R.I.P RODNEY

[jackie]

damn mrs cook. im sorry for your loss. we all miss rodney. i remember the first time he talked to me. he would flirtr so much. even when i was with my boyfriend. i miss him always goin around always asking for money.

R.I.P RODNEY

[denise johnson]

Ms. Cooke
There is no hurt that heaven can not heal. I lived on 80th about 10 years ago, so I know what it's like. There are no words that can replace the pain you are feeling right now. I remember hearing this on the news when it first happened. My heart and prayers go out to you. This is a cold world, and to have your baby die in yous arms is probably the worst pain a parent can ever experience. We lost a family friend right on the corner of 80th & Western a few years ago, and 2 days after we lost Walter, which was the day after mother's day my 16 year old son was shot 6 times with a 9mm gun, but by the GRACE OF GOD, he survived. To this day everytime I hear a gunsot a flinch and dial his cell number just to hear his voice. It's been 5 years, but it will never go away. Stay strong, and believe in GOD, because he does not make mistakes. My family will continue to pray for you and your family.

[Daniel Healy]

Our hearts go out to Ms. Cooke and all the families of the victims of violence.

For anyone interested in taking action to prevent violence in LA, please come out to the next meeting of the Violence Prevention Coalition of Greater Los Angeles. It will take place from 1:30 to 3:30pm on Aug. 8th at 1000 N. Alameda St. LA 90012. We are looking for individuals and organizations to join us who care enough to make a difference in such a time as this.

If you have any questions or would like to RSVP, give us a call at (310) 794-2725.

[jenny]

Damm Ms. Coke

I can't find any words I'am speechless, I read this story a while ago and I wanted to write to you but I can't find what to say its been weeks and I still don't know what to say I know anyhting we say right now its not making sense but I'll try my best. I can't say I feel your pain because I've never been in a situation like yours ( thank GOD,. nock on wood) but my heart really goes out to you I can't even image the pain that u r going through my prayers are with you for reals when I read this story I started to cry and i still cry when I read it I have a 7mnth old and I know I better prepare him right now for what he might encounter through his life this world is cruel its meant to be a wonderful place for us to live its suppost to be heaven on earth but insetead its hell on earth GOD gave his sons life for us to get the wonderful oppurtunity to LIVE life and we are killing ourselves. Before i started reading the homocide report I was blind to all of this violence, I had an idea, but I thaugh it was gansters killing gangster, now I realize how many innocent lives are being taken away, I'm more aware of my surroundings now I realize there is no such thing as an OVER PROTECTIVE MOTHER one can never be too over protective of our children we have to be that way we have to know who their "friends" are, what they are doing, everything we as mothers have to know EVERYTHING if we want our baby to get to see 15 its that sad that our children are not even see-ing 18. But then when its your time to go its time to go and there is nothing in this world that we can do to change that GOD does not make mistakes. Its just the fact on how our babies are dying in the hands of another brother that is the problem, but what can we do, honestly, I don't know. If our young boys become of good then a lost bullet might take their live, then if they become bad a bullet might strick them also what can we do? that is my everyday question and I dont what the answer to be NOTHING I refuse to take that answer, but am I just dreaming, I hope not. But Ms. Cook I hope time will heal your wounds I know not completely, but I really hope from the bottom of my heart that you some day will find peace in your heart I know its going to be hard but do not keep hatred in your heart that only makes you more bitter and that is not good GOD lways said to forgive others and I know is tough but , please try they let it be know that KARMA does exist and if they don't pay in life for what they did to Rodney they will pay for it in their after life and that its worst because their after life is eternal they will suffer for EVER. While Rodney is obiously in a bettet place looking down at you taking care of you. Ms. Cook I have to let go but I hope that Rodneys life was not taken in vain and my best wishes to you. Its ok to cry but the best option i to turn to the big man upstairs he is watching everything and know what you are going through you are not alone. If I can be of some assistance please contact me at luckyenni@yahoo.com.

REST IN PEACE
RODNEY

[james c. tibbs]

I wish to give my blessing to all mothers and fathers of children. It seems as though no matter how hard we try to protect out children from the evils of the world, the world all ways find ways to consume our blessed one's without any warning. I am now in my 40's and growing up in the Nations Capitol was no walk in the park. Some how by the grace of GOD I am a survivor. One of the things that scare me the most is bringing life into this world. I guess you can say I am avoiding the pain of losing a chilld.

But I want the parents children of violent deaths to know that you are in our prayers and to the perpertrators, remember this, each time you take one life, you have stolen a million. Please, try to talk more and shoot less. It's easy, just do it.

For the grave you stand over just may be one of your own.