Jason Valdez-Perez, 17

Jason Valdez-Perez, 17, was shot once in the head east of 759 E. 109th Street in Watts at about 10:15 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6. An 18-year-old companion who was with him at the time was wounded in the shooting but survived. The suspect, a lone black man or youth, fled north on McKinley. Jason's friend was treated and released.

Jason, six-foot-one with an easy smile, was a Locke High School senior about to graduate. He loved animals, and wanted to be a veterinarian, said friends and family members, gathered to grieve at his home four days after his killing, Jason's pet Chihuahua padding around their feet aimlessly. He was the middle child of three, and had no gang ties, said his uncle Raul Perez. "An innocent face," his uncle said. He was randomly targeted--happened to be standing outside when the attacker struck, detectives said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Dets. Sam Marullo or Nathan Kouri at (213) 485-4341.

Comments

[Marlene Valdez]

R.I.P Jason your always gonna be in my heart!! im always gonna remember your big kool aid smile.=(.. I LOVE YOU JASON *BEST FRIEND*

[GARDENA MAN]

I CANT UNDERSTAND WHY THIS WOULD HAPPEN TO SUM1 THAT NEVER GOT IN 2 ANY TROUBLE......HE WAS A VERY HAPPPY PERSON THAT LOVED 2 PARTY THAT LOVED LIFE...I HOPE THE CATCH WHO EVER DID THIS.........MAY HE REST IN PEACE......1LUV.

[Mark]

I just shake my head in amazement that this happened.

And I bet not one person from the community will help the police find his killer.

[Grace]

Cute kid, he even had a dimple in his cheek. I hope they catch his killer. There's just too many young men dying for no reason in S. Central LA.

[Diana]

He alwayz had a smile i met him at locke and now hes gone tahst sad to hear

[precious]

This is so sad how the innocent have to suffer the violence. I hope and pray that justice is served for Jason. It was too soon for you to be called to Heaven's Gate and chosen randomly, may you have a Peacful Journey I wish your family peace and strength and may the Lord mend their broken hearts. Your happiness and your handsome glow will shine in Heaven.

[Rob Englert]

This one got to me because he sounded like a decent guy who would have done something with his life. These gangs need to go. They shouldn't be tolerated. Make gang membership itself become a crime and lock them up forever.

[Garcia Family]

Rest in Peace Jason only god knows why he took you away I wish you happiness in your new journey in heaven. Watch over us and take care of your family and us your always going to be in our hearts since you touched so many lives.

[Mely]

God, I've been there before and I AM SOOO SORRY for his family's loss. My brother was killed a year ago during our regular family night out. He was an innocent victim just like Jason. I wish his family all the strength and faith to overcome his death. I hope justice will be done, but also believe in God's justice. Know that Jason is in a much better place saving and protecting animals in heavan. Remember him as he was. Think of him as your angellito de la guardia. May God be with you all.

[(Jason's Mom)]

I just want everyone that knew My Son Jason to remember him as he was always happy! :) I'm asking if anyone knows his killer to let the police know. We are in so much pain. And that person is still out there and can harm another innocent person. Please help!! a hurting mom asks for help!!

[GRACIELA]

IM SORRY HE DIED CAUSE MY FRIEND AND ME HAD BEARLY MET HIM IM SO SORRY

[The Topete Family]

R.I.P

you'll be missed and always in our hearts

[frankie]

jason will always be missed no matter wat he will always be in are hearts i hope they fine the person that did all this love ur boy frankie

[tex]

well what could i say about my best homie jason he was cool an a person with a big smile well he is in the sky looking down at us takeing care of us an his family