Aric Lexing, 26

Aric Lexing, 26, a black man, was killed in a double-homicide that also took the life of Scott Grant, 40, above, in the 4000 block of Stevely Drive in lower Baldwin Hills at about 3:30 a.m. Friday, July 20. Both men died were shot to death at the scene.

He was from Los Angeles, graduated from Hawthorne High, got a degree in Spanish at University of Monroe in Louisiana, and had just finished his master's degree in criminal justice in May, said LAPD Southwest Det. Sean Hansen. Lexing's goal had been to work in law enforcement. Grant was an old friend from Lexing's childhood neighborhood. The two had a gone to a club together that night, and were just getting back.

Comments

[adinasi]

In too many of these horrific tragedies I see a pattern that relates to something your parents told you 'back in my day': "When the street lights come on, get in the house."

While you would hope that adults have the freedom and responsibility to stay up 'after hours,' in our metropolis Black and Latino urban males can no longer afford this. It seems a segment of our society as devolved to the point that they will enact violence against ANY AND EVERY Black and Latino male for no reason other than being Black or Latino on the streets after sunset. I recently discovered that a former student came precipitously close to being a statistic on this blog simply from WALKING TO HIS CAR AROUND MIDNIGHT AFTER PLAYING VIDEO GAMES WITH HIS FRIENDS.
What the most recent Homicide Map truly reveals is a sad region of America that isn't America, because when you're not safe you're not free, and when you're not free you cannot enjoy the 'pursuit of happiness.' Must Athens Park, Watts, and the Avalon area become self-imposed 'ghost towns' at sunset for people to stay alive? If I were a resident of these areas the energy I would expend on diligence and self protection would be an excessive, insidious drain upon my life, which is precisely part of the dreadful life expectancy for Black and Latino males, mostly Black, in our society.
That this newspaper can publish front page stories about a soccer player's wife, the Mayor's wandering libido, and a children's fantasy book when people are dying at a rate comparable to soldiers in a war is pathetic; That those who either call themselves, are appointed, or are voted as leaders are not outraged into constant vigorous action to combat this genocide makes them tacitly culpable, which is treasonous.

[Akil]

Its just a tragedy that a young man that went to school to work on his masters degree would be murdered for no reason. Aric Jai Lexing was a good kid with no gang affiliation worth so ever. He was the kind of person that would brighten up anyones day a real pleasant positive person to be around. Aric I just know that your in a better place now away from all the troubles of the world. Im greatful to have been friends with you and to have been able to spend time with you. But most of all I just want to say thank you for being my best friend and Im thankful for all the motivation that you gave me thanks for the encouragement to stay in school and finish up with my bachelors degree thank you for teaching me about weight training and staying on top of my health. My love go's out to you and your family your friend forever Akil Ewell

[Michael Jones]

Why don't Blacks and Latinos in these crime ridden areas of California just move? Pool your money together and talk to each other, like here in New York. Why don't you two groups get along? You are the victims and still out West you fight each other?

[Tony]

I agree with the above comment. Where are the activist now? They waste time on Imus and other issues that have no impact on people's lives and after looking at this map parts of our city are under siege.

[WASET]

Excellent post Adinasi!

[Steve Johnson]

The critics of activists are wrong here.

This incident could have been carried out by anybody. Even cops.

So, why not mourn the senseless death of these youth, and advocate peace in the community. That is why we should do. Nothing else is permissable or required.

[Renee Green]

I don't know what to say Jai.. I am so shocked, so angry yet hurting over the thought that you are gone and your only sister/sibling, my best friend is missing you so much. She told me she had just spoke to you about how you were starting to apply for career positions since you just finished your Masters. What is this world coming to....Lord we need you, this is toooo much....And I know this is just the beginnings of the horrors described in the word of God that must occur (wars, rumors of wars, bizarre weather changes, etcc) Are we not in war right now???Lord help us to put on the ARMOR OF GOD so that we can WITHSTAND THE DEVIL AND HIS EVIL FORCES!!

For those who are fortunate enough to be reading this comment and have breath in their body, do not let another minute, sec, hour, day or week go by without CHOOSING THIS DAY WHOM YOU WILL SERVE! May I introduce you to the KING OF KINGS and LORD of LORD JESUS CHRIST, who shed his blood for you on the cross, was buried, the rose again on the 3rd day for your salvation so that we might have eternal life---Just step out on FAITH and believe in Him and watch HIM show up in your life...Just give Him a try, I PROMISE YOU, YOU WON'T REGRET IT...Does anyone agree??

May the Lord keep and bless you all..Love you Jai, love you Tai and it's going to be okay!!!

God Bless,

H. Green

[SM]

I logged on just to read the article about Scott Grant and Aric Lexing because I knew Scott when he was a youngster. I was shocked to learn of the many homicides occurring throughout the city. Absolutely horrible! For all the Jesse Jacksons, Antonio Villaraigosas, Al Sharptons, Rocky Delgadillos, etc...where are you? Oh I forgot, off somewhere tending to your selfish appetities. You wanted to be "leaders" to do what? You don't address these issues unless you can receive some "glory" for yourselves. But when the cameras are gone, so are you. I know all the burden is not on the mayor or an activist but they do have a responsibility since they asked for it. It just amazes me how all this can occur in a city like this and our reactions are so callous. I'm speaking from top officials to residents. All we do now is just sit back and say "that's a shame". Shame on all of us. We should all be tired of this. When is enough, enough? Can we take to the streets, organize a massive demonstration-black, hispanic, white, everybody to say ENOUGH? Changes can occur, there is strength in numbers. If you don't believe that, look at what these hoodlums are doing.

Rest in peace Scott.

[ruben]

wow excellent post adinasi I couldnt have said it better myself

[Mz Silky]

Im very heart broken at the increase of homicides, my son was also killed for jealous reasons, no gand tides, straight A student, student body preisdent , athlete, but most of all had a great LOVE for all mankind, the LOVE of God was all in him , and he showed it. TAs it was when I lived in Los Angeles.... Sundays are consider Homcide Sunday... Why its the day of the Lord, the devil choose this day to disrespect our Lord and Savior, and those who choose to yield to the spirit are nothing else but puppets on a string. Truly I pray for all who are killed on any day, and pray for those who do not have the LOVE of God in their hearts, but believe this God is not sleep and sees all, man may not care and punish the gulity , b ut God will. My prayers go all to all, I;'m truly sorry for ypur loss, trust in the Lord He will never leave you nor forsake you.. Iknow Hes kept me and still keeping me. God bless

[Karl]

To Adinasi,

Unfortunately, the men and women profiled in this blog are seen from higher ups as expendable. Yes, their lives were valuable to their grief-stricken friends and family; but not to the city as a whole. You see, the upper-middle class, the Beck/Posh's, Villaraigosa's, and Hilton's of Los Angeles have lots of money to spend and their tax dollars are highly valued. Statistically, the majority of people murdered in inner-city areas are uneducated, have criminal records, and are more than likely, unemployed (there are exceptions to this, of course; and innocent people are killed also). This means that their spending power is non-existent and because of this they don't contribute to the economy. All of the rallies in the world calling for the non-violence to stop aren't effective because of the apathy and denial in the inner-city and the failure of the government as a whole to validate humans as worthy unless they can contribute to the economy.

[ruben]

Karl

No need to state the obvious....i believe what Adinasi was saying is that we know all that (Rich=valuable Poor=expendable) but its time for a change, the media and the public should demand that news coverage be for news and not for what Paris Hilton wore or where the Bekhams hung out, if there is enough public outcry for this we can get what we want, we in the community are not that stupid and the majority of us don't really want to watch all that garbage, were smarter than that. If the media outlets here in LA (KCBS, KNBC,KTLA,KCAL,KCOP) really showed all the murders going on it would be a huge eye opener for alot of people, and I know what alot of you are thinking..."how depressing", but even if they devote a little segment and just scroll through the daily murders or something like that people will get an idea of whats really going on, and DEMAND action.

[Karl]

Ruben,

Trust me, no one cares about young black and Mexican men killing each other. IMO, expanded coverage by the media on the carnage would do nothing but perpetuate the stereotypes (no, the reality) of minorities acting like animals. I'm a college-educated black man from L.A., who has escaped to the suburbs. Hate to say it, but let em kill each other--I myself don't feel any sympathy for these guys. I've come across too many people in my life who have come from similar if not worse backgrounds that the trash doing the killings; and have made sacrifices to do things with their lives and not play the "poor me, I'm black" role. Frankly, it'll be one less stupid n&^%$r on the streets left to kill another innocent person...

[Moosebreath]

As I sit in my safe "world", I wonder where the black and latino leaders are. I have never heard Jesse Jackson say anything about all these killings. It has to stop. If I had my way the national guard would be called. We need to get rid of these guns. We need to learn to get along. I read these deaths and I shake my head in saddness, for all the mothers, of every color, who have lost sons, and for the mothers who are about to lose their sons. Please stop all the violence.

[unico]

karl you dont feel sympathy for a fellow black man who was gunned down? wow thats incredible. did you see that he was also college educated like you? this could have been you! BA and a masters. how can you feel no sympathy for this young man. just becuase he didnt "escape? to the burbs? this is sad. may he rest in pardise.

[AC]

Karl makes one good point: by playing the victim the black community is polarized against the rest of the world but NOT against internal violence, fatherless children, and the poverty that plagues black communities. These issues need to be resolved internally.

[Richie]

I was Aric's Manager for a few years. This incident comes as a huge shock to all of the employees that work for us. Aric was a great guy with the best work ethic anyone could ask for. I am affraid that no one will ever know how great of a person Aric really was due to the time, place, and overall situation of the shooting. For example, just read some of the idots who posted blogs about the article. Some "impling" that he was a waste to the city when in reality, these are the people sitting down with nothing better to do than shoot down people they do not even now. THESE ARE THE PEOPLE who are a waste on the city. People who sit back, complain, and make ignorant remarks about what the city should do when they are the ones who should step up and do something. These are the people who live just above the proverty line and think the govnerment should do there best to help them. Let's all remember: poverty is not a physical disability, IT'S A STATE OF MIND!

I cannot vouch for Scott Grant, however I can for Aric Lexing. So before you say about the shooting, you need to realize how little you actually know about the situation.

It's sad that half of my comment has to be in Aric's defense, so I will leave it at this...

Aric, we all love you and miss you, God Bless.

[ruben]

Wow, I am a college educated Mexican/American, but born and raised in housing projects...I am shocked to see you write such ugly words about your fellow black man Karl and no one should agree...no matter where your at in life dont forget where u came from

[toi]

i usually don't respond or post on these things, but i do read it daily, and say a prayer for each family.
the thing that struck me today, was the commet Karl made. That is crazy! i can't believe that there are human beings that have no sympathy, and have the nerve to post something like that. Everyone doesn't have away out. Everyone can't afford a college education! You don't what this mans situation was. He might not of felt he had to escape, as your self.
You are a disgrace to the black community, and i'm glad you escaped. Now the city is left with at least one less heartless individual such as yourself!
May the family of Aric find peace in there hearts during this difficult time.

[Jane]

People in Los Angeles need jobs. The African-American and Latino communities need jobs. I think its completely ridiculous that we talk about God and morals and hiphop and pitbulls and the N-word and all of that silliness. Prayers aren't going to pay the rent and unless Jesse can brings some jobs well...hey I think Magic Johnson is probably a better resource, he employs people.

People are going to keep dying until Chicano and African-American men can support themselves.

And its not the working class communities fault, if you took away young people's job anywhere and not allow them to work they are going to start doing illegal things.

In America they tell you to go to school so you can get a job. They don't train you to do anything, there isn't a tech track, there aren't any apprentice program and if you don't go to college what's your options. We train our kids for a world that does not exist.

There are no more stable 9-5 jobs that you can get without a degree, heck there aren't any stable 9-5 jobs you can get with a BA degree. Half of my black friends with degrees are way underemployed and work as tutors and paste together jobs and they have degrees from USC and UCLA, I can't imagine what kind of job prospects someone who doesn't even have might face.

LA is super racist in regards to hiring for jobs, if they don't have to hire you they won't. People like to tell you things like, "You're so talented if I hire you, you might leave." I was complimented when I was told that year one, year five, it's getting kind of old and I also realize that's an excuse.

Pretty much if you're black and brown with a degree you get to work in education or social work, that's pretty much it, if you can't teach, you're pretty much screwed. The private sector won't hire you to do anything more than answer the phone or be a token.

Your own business is your best bet, but that's not what is taught in school. They drill the work for someone else crap, which if you're poor or working class and you're trying you don't realize that not only are your text books out of date but so are the end goals.

They won't hire a young black guy to do anything more than a minimum wage security guard, they won't give these young kids a break so that they can build a base and maybe start their own business.

If my career options were McDonalds, I'd be a gangster sell drugs and kill if I had to. That's self preservation, any person who can't support himself and provide himself and family with the basics: food, shelter etc if they aren't a moron are going to do what they have to do.

There is no honor in starving to death. There are no extra brownie points for keeping a little piece of job, they don't go "Well you can pay less for rent or here's a scholarship, because you work a minimum wage job full time." There is no, "Here's a we won't be racist against you card," or "Here's a 'you're not allowed to be randomly shot' vest," that they hand out.

That is the reason that people are going to continue to die in the poor and working class black and brown sections of LA.

Jane

[G]

I HAVE BEEN READING THIS BLOG OFF AND ON OVER TWO MONTHS AND I AM HUMBLED AND GREATFUL FOR MY LIFE MY CHILDRENS LIVES.I FEEL FOR EACH ONE OF THE FAMILIES THE TRAGIC LOSS OF LIFE ,WITHOUT REASON. I AM A PRODUCT OF OLD NEW YORK CITY SENSELESS DEATH PROJECTS ,WELFARE ,DRUG ADDICTION ,SINGLE PARENT HOUSEHOLDS,NO REAL MALE ROLEMODELS AND FEW WAYS TO ESCAPE.WE AS A PEOPLE HAVE OVER COME WORST SITUATION BUT NOT AS EMOTIONALY TAXING AS THIS.I STILL BELIEVE IN THE BLACK MAN AND BLACK FAMILY, I BELIEVE THAT THOSE WHO READ AND COMMENT IN THIS BLOG ARE THE LEADERS WE NEED TODAY.WE ARE NOT POWERLESS.OUR PEOPLE AND OTHERS DID NOT HAVE THE BENEFIT OF INTERNET OR THE WEB.YES A CHANGE CAME ABOUT.WE HAVE MORE EDUCATION,WE HAVE CAREERS.WHAT I'M ASKING IS FOR EVERYONE WHO READS THIS BLOG TO SEND THE PAGE TO SOMEONE ELSE. I BEG YOU LOOK AT THE KID WITH ALL THE HOPE AND FAITH IN HIS FUTURE, THE LITTLE GIRL WHO SAIDS SHE IS GOING TO BE A DOCTOR.YOU MAY NOT DRIVE THOSE STREETS OR SHOP IN THESE AREAS BUT SOMEONE YOUKNOW MIGHT.LETS EMAIL 60 MINS,DATELINE,20/20 BILL O'REILLYAND BET I DON'T KNOW THE SOLUTION BUT LETS FORCE NATIONAL DIALOGLE.THE MEN AND WOMEN WHOSE CAREERS WHO WHERE MADE ON THOSE SAME STREETS.RAPPERS YES RAPPERS ACTORS COMDEIANS. LET THIS BE A GRASSROOT EFFORT FROM US WHITE BLACK HISPANIC...PEOPLE WHO CARE OR FOR WHATEVER REASON...WHEN I WAS A KID I VIEWED THE NEWS FROM IRELAND AND FOLLWED IT AS AN ADULT OVER 20YEARS OF SENSELESS DEATH .WHAT CHANGED ?THE PEOPLE GOT FED UP .LETS GET FED UP! LET THE ANGER CAUSE ACTION ...GET IN TOUCH WITH SPIKE LEE ,WALTER MOSLEY AND THE LIKE. LET US BIND TOGETHER IN THIS.THE ONLY REAL SIN HERE IS DOING NOTHING...OH MY EMAIL ADDRESS STANDS FOR ADVANCE CARDIAC LIFE SUPPORT, I MADED IT OUT AS A RESULT OF PEOPLE LIKE YOU .WITH ALL MY HEART I CAN SAY THANK YOU..

[J-804]

To Unico, Ruben, & Toi

Thank you for blasting this fool karl, when I read his comment, I said WOW, guess I was not alone with thinking that, two of you wrote that same word, thanks for being actual humans. No Toi, his card is revoked.....

To karl

I read this post alot and cannot believe that another so called human could say such idiotic, vile things about people who have just been MURDERED, you have no idea of any of these people's situations or circumstances. This could have been you, just coming home from the club or the store and someone wants to act up, "but you live in the burbs and your so safe" I don't think your a black man at all, I truly believe you are someone faking your identity to say these things and have people think otherwise, Arics picture is up, we know he and his companion are Black, are you? nope you don't belong to my race, you can't come to my barbershop and say anything you have written, because a true Black man knows the struggle, some make it out some don't but we all at some level root for eachother, but to say "let them kill each other", stop quoting Training Day, this is not a movie there's going to be real funerals for all these individuals, familys are grieving, I pray for them all. Did the former lapd officer deserve to die?, he had a flat and did not live near Athens or SouthCentral, it could be anybody dummy. I knew Sherman Nevens, and people may look at him and think he is some hard core guy, nope, he was a very kind, softspoken person who got along with everybody at our gym, mostly white people, he attended Stanford University. I know you have past judgement on him and others just on appearance and where they live, so let me pass judgement on you karl, you are nothing, and yes, I am college educated

[cee holis]

Have services been held for Aris? If not, when and where? Thanks.
Cee Holis

[rodney Hill]

I live in the eastern part of the country in Pennsylvania. I am African-American, grew up in Philly, with a single mother, in the projects, and a father that was addicted to herion. In the 50's, 60's, and early 70's Philly cold have taught Los Angeles something about gang warfare. I had several friends who died as a result of gang involvement. I made it out becouse of a vigilant mother who thought that education was the way out. I now have a Masters degree, and I am a Vice Principal at one of the largest school in the country. I work with children from all backgrounds (racial, and economic)and I love all children, no matter what their ethnic background. I read the LA Times homicide report weekly. It bring tears to my eyes when I read all of the senseless killing that happens out there. My heart goes out to the families of these victims. Philly is not far behind in terms of people being murdered. It boggles my mind with the number of people that are killed in LA on a weekly basis. Politically speaking, I feel the war in Iraq is a distraction because our American politicians are at a loss on how to solve the violence issues not only in Los Angeles, but ai all of our large American cities. I am a big proponent of the conspiracy theory. To the people in Los Angeles California, keep your heads up. To the fathers in LA, be positive role-models, and to the mothers in LA, be strong, don't give up. Persevere.
God is with you. Peace.

[stacey]

Just a simple comment, I worked with Aric for the last two years. Aric was popular, well liked, and will be missed. I can't stress enough how much I admire him for all his hard work and dedication to his education. He also worked five days a week while attending ULM. I pray for his mother, as well for the family of Scott Grant, Aric's friend. This is such a loss in so many ways, I hope whoever did this is brought to justice, even if they aren't, they will have to live with their selves, and one day face the ultimate judge. If only they had known him.

[tony]

Stories like this make me more incredulous about politicians, black leaders and police chiefs. After these inexplicable murders and the myriad of other murders listed in L.A. Times Homicide Report, one remedy should be eradication of street gangs. We don’t need Antonio ‘the cheater’ Villagosa pontificating to the cameras about the arrest of a few thugs or his recruitment of former gang members to help assuage pockets of violence. When a nefarious group commit murder, Antonio ‘the player’ Villagosa should discuss expunging group expeditiously. Politician, Police Chiefs, Latino and Black Leaders know of the social economical constraints in community. They know many of us are uneducated. They know that many of us are not savvy enough to mitigate these issues. Therefore, they should use our tax dollars to mollify our crime issues via candid education, appropriate allocation of funds and salient resources in community. Unfortunately, many people like Antonio ‘philander’ Villagosa is about cash flow, lobbyist and interest. For instance, gang activity creates a plethora of jobs in the city, state and country! Therefore, politicians are leveraged! Nevertheless, Antonio ‘adultery’ Villagosa is Latino, he knows the game and the plight of folks in the community but crime is getting worse under his watch. There were more than 10 murders in the Baldwin Village area in the month of July alone. Our problem is larger than young black and Latino men. The problem is leadership, global paradigm shifts and historical. Blacks and Latino must become savvier socially, economically, historically and polically.

Karl,

Your lack of discernment is appalling! In a crazy way, I think I know what you are trying to construe, but this was not an appropriate time, this is a time for commiseration. Also, I have not met too many black thugs with master degrees in the Jungle (Baldwin Village). Aric appears to be an ambition young man in the wrong place at the wrong time. This was an inscrutable crime and this pervasive activity is spilling over into all capacities of life. This entails diverse lifestyles, classes and suburb Karl. Read some blogs on Moreno Valley, Fontana and Perris. Black and Latino people wake up and get knowledge of self!

My condolence goes to Family

[O'Dawg]

I do agree with some of Karl's statements and can understand his blind lack of sympathy. Karl voiced his opinion which is based on his experiences and observations. Your experiences may differ, but are not any more or less valid than his. One of Karl's more valid points is that, outside of this Blog, most of these homicides have not had any serious air or print time an any publication. I, for one, was more interested in why I couldn't left turn onto Century from Figueroa last Monday than I was with Beckham, Bonds, Hilton, Richie, Bush or Villar. Unfortunately, I could only find out why by looking in this Blog.

According to the TOS, this is a place to post your comments, and short of them being vulgar or outright inflammatory, you may do so without fear of censorship...despite the fact that this is moderated. These incidents evoke strong feelings in people which everyone might not agree with. If anything, this Blog succeeds where Karl claims other media venues fail.

[sheryl]

I'm sorry to hear of men being afraid to go out at night, and being killed for being Black and Latino. Unfortunately this is the way girls and women of all colors have to live as long as the ideas of might and force rule our societies. Worse, as you read the homicide maps, most of the women are killed in their own homes, they don't even need to go outside. Our society needs to let go of the brute force mentality and try another way to live. Please, join us in finding peace and honoring all life.

[common sense]

Jane, Richie, J-0801 - Very well said. These innocent lives were lost due to misguided souls, no need for anyone to lump and stereotype at a time of death due to HOMICIDE. I will continue to pray for their families and the families of all others who met an untimely demise.

Unlike most that claim to be "educated" I don't use my credentials to throw into anyones face I use them to reach down and help those lost find a better way out and tell them there is always a brighter day, just be patient.

Blessing to you all.

Karl, O'Dawg - This is not the time nor place to spew I hate being black and hate all other blacks not "appearing to be on my level". Take a mature pill and use your time on this earth wisely, instead basking in "I think i'm better than you because I made it out" the bigger question is what are YOU doing to make sure more like you (or not you possibley are not Black or Latino) get out? . Moving on to more important comment....

[ruben]

Common Sense

Why dont you use your "education credentials" for some action and not for "patience". We are done waiting as a community it's time for action. We need to help these youths out educate this kids and get them jobs or skills, and there parents should be held more accountable for (for children under 18). Time for patience and waiting is over it's time for action. I volunteer at a YMCA and at a public park and still go to my old neighborhhod i grew up in and donate when i can, so those of you posting it's time to stop talking and start walking, and those of you who are already doing what they can, good job and you will see it does pay off.