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 On Friday, Feb. 8, Antwan Cole lay mortally wounded near a bus stop in Athens. He had been shot multiple times in a drive-by shooting. A person living across the street heard the gunfire and dialed 911. Paramedics listed the 19-year-old as "Antwan Doe" and transported him to UCLA-Harbor Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 12:24 a.m. Feb. 9. He was listed as an "unknown black male" by the Los Angeles County coroner.
Cole lived with his grandmother. According to a coroner's report, an unspecified "law enforcement agency" notified her of his death within a few hours. But Everlean Cole, 67, said she never got that notification. It wasn't until two days later that she learned from a relative that her grandson was killed. The relative had been told by a neighbor, who called the coroner's office.
Now the family wants officials to improve the way they notify loved ones.
On March 18, family members held a news conference with civil-rights leaders to urge the L.A. Police Commission to address the issue. They say the coroner acted too slowly, that police never contacted them with news of Cole's death, and that agencies need to communicate better.
"Murder, violence, is harsh enough, is painful enough." said activist Earl Ofari Hutchinson, speaking at the family's news conference outside Parker Center. "The tragedy is even worse when next of kin, family members don't know what happened. When there's no notification."
Coroner officials acknowledged their handling of the case was slow but also said that Cole was difficult to identify because their investigators had none of his clothing or personal effects. He also had never been arrested. They said situations are rare and that his case does not indicate a wider problem. Sheriff's detectives who are investigating Cole's death said they left the notification to the coroner.
Antwan Cole was attending L.A. Trade Tech College. Family members said that on the Monday after Cole's death, they waited at the college and at a Unocal facility where he worked as a security guard to see if he would show up. When he didn't, Cole's grandmother filed a missing-person's report. Everlean Cole's neighbor, Gwen Williams, 53, later called the coroner, who told her of the killing. Williams in turn informed the family.
Family members said they drove to the coroner's office to identify the body on Monday but were told it already had been identified through fingerprints. They were referred to detectives investigating the case.
According to a time line of events issued by the coroner's office, Antwan's body was transported to the Forensic Science Center for fingerprinting on Sunday. His name was not listed in any of the local criminal databases or in the FBI's database. Many, if not most, homicide victims have criminal records, which contain fingerprints that aid in identifying them. Cole "was about doing the right thing and being a good kid," said his aunt Demetra Willis.
The state Department of Justice did identify Cole later on Sunday, but not through a criminal record. He had been fingerprinted for his security guard identification card, said Craig Harvey, the department's chief investigator and chief of operations. "Had he worked at McDonald's, we would have been back to square one," Harvey said.
Andrea Cole, 21, one of Antwan's sisters, said she could not understand why notification was such a problem. "He had a cellphone, his school badge, his security guard badge," she said. "What's the point of having emergency numbers in a cellphone if they're not going to be used?"
The coroner's office did not receive the cellphone with Antwan Cole's body, Harvey said. He said that if he had known that there had been a problem notifying the grandmother, he would have had the law enforcement agency try to reach Cole's mother. The coroner is legally responsible for notification, he said, but law enforcement agencies often make that first contact with family because it allows them to begin their investigation right away. 
Anthony Hernandez, director of the coroner's office, said the office was looking into the case and "back-tracking to try and clarify who specifically made the notification."
The family and friends say blame is not the point.
"We just want unity in all the agencies," said Williams, Everlean Cole's neighbor.
Above, Eddie Jones, president of the L.A. Civil Rights Assn. speaks with Cole's family and friends at the news conference. Below, Demetra Willis and Everlean Cole praying.
The following posts represent the victims of homicide in Los Angeles County for the period of March 24-31, 2008.
 Justo Cesar Morales, a 25-year-old Latino man, was shot multiple times at his home in the 2200 block of Canyon Road about 1:40 p.m. Sunday, March 30. According to the Arcadia Police Department, officers responded to a radio call of shots fired. The officers searched the area and later found Morales dead from gunshot wounds near his front door. On Wednesday, April 2, police arrested Brandon Michael Landreth, a 30-year-old Latino man, on suspicion of killing Morales.
According to Police Sgt. Dean Caputo, Landreth became jealous over his ex-wife's relationship with Morales. Caputo said Landreth and his ex-wife had been divorced since last year. Police believe that Landreth drove to Morales' home Sunday to confront him. Caputo said Landreth parked his car a few houses away, then rode a skateboard to the house, knocked on the door, then allegedly shot Morales after he opened the door. Landreth rode off in his skateboard and fled the area in his car, authorities said. Caputo said Landreth and his ex-wife have two children. He taught history at John Muir High School in Pasadena.
Ronald Murralles, 23, a young Latino man, was stabbed to death at 107th Street and Vermont Avenue in an unincorporated area of Athens about 1:26 a.m. Sunday, March 30, authorities said. Murralles was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 8:10 a.m. L.A. County sheriff's homicide detectives are investigating.
Tyrone Rouzan, 23, a young black man, was shot multiple times in the 19300 block of Grandee Avenue about 8:30 p.m. Saturday, March 29. Rouzan was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead about 9:30 p.m. Sheriff's homicide detectives are investigating the shooting.
 Patrick Curtis Fowler, a 40-year-old white man, was killed in a hit and run in the 12700 block of Main Street in the Athens Village area about 6:54 p.m. Saturday, March 29. According to authorities, Fowler had been involved in a fight with two Latino men. The two men drove away in a van but later returned and ran over Fowler as he was approaching El Segundo Boulevard. Authorities said the van was found abandoned nearby. Fowler was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 7:21 p.m.
Kenneth Patterson, 23, and Clifton Hibbert Jr., 22,both young black men, were shot in the 4200 block of Figueroa Street about 2 a.m. Friday, March 28. Hibbert was pronounced deat at 2:08 a.m. and Patterson was pronounced dead at 2:14 a.m. by paramedics at the scene. Los Angeles Times story
Clifton Hibbert Jr., 22, is the second homicide victim in listed above.
Miguel Osuna, a 15-year-old Latino youth, was fatally shot at 657 W. 6th St. in San Pedro about 4:50 p.m. Wednesday, March 26. According to police, Osuna was standing on the porch of his home with friends when a gunman fired several rounds from behind a nearby car wash. Osuna was taken to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 5:14 p.m. Authorities have no description of a suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call LAPD Harbor Division homicide detectives at (310) 522-2036.
James Paul, a 49-year-old black man, was shot multiple times at the intersection of Harold Way and Van Ness Avenue on Wednesday, March 26 and died later. Homicide detectives with LAPD's Hollywood Division are investigating.
 Mohammad Usman Chaudhry, a 21-year-old young Pakistani American, who was a Muslim, according to family, was fatally shot at 1435 N. Curson St. in Hollywood at 4 a.m. Tuesday, March 25. According to police, Officer Joseph Cruz and his partner were patrolling the street when they saw a dark figure by an apartment complex. The officers approached to investigate and encountered Chaudhry lying behind some bushes. As Cruz was questioning Chaudhry, he pulled out a folding knife and stabbed Cruz on the left hand. Cruz pulled out his gun and fired several rounds at Chaudhry. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics pronounced Chaudhry dead at the scene at 4:21 a.m. Cruz was transported to Cedars Sinai Medical Center, where he was treated for lacerations and released, authorities said.
UPDATE: Initially the L.A. County Coroner identified Chaudhry as a black man, but family said he is a Pakistani American and a Muslim.
Richard Lopez, a 17-year-old Latino youth, was mortally wounded after he was shot in the head at Aldgate Avenue and Blackwood Street in La Puente about 9:40 p.m. Sunday, March 23. Lopez was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 25. According to Sgt. Craigh Ditsch of the L.A. County sheriff's homicide bureau, Lopez was walking home when gang members looking for rivals in the area approached Lopez and shot him. Louis Bachicha, 19, a Latino man, and Michael Montano, 20, a Latino man, were later arrested on suspicion of murdering Lopez.
Ditsch said Lopez was not affiliated with any gangs and that he had been enrolled in the Sheriff's Explorers program at Bassett High School in La Puente. Press-Telegram reports.
Alipio Ruiz, an 18-year-old young Latino man, was shot in the face and mortally wounded at 140 East Ave. in Palmdale about 11:25 a.m. Monday, March 24. Ruiz was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 12:02 p.m. Los Angeles County Sheriff's homicide detectives are investigating.
Danny Chan, 18, a young Asian man, is the second victim of a shootout on March 22 in Rosemead. Chan was involved in a car-to-car shooting at Park Street and Charlotte Avenue with Jimmy Tran, also 18. Tran was shot in the head and died later that night. Chan was transported by ambulance to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead on Monday, March 24 at 8:12 p.m. News of Chan's death was not previously released by authorities, but the county coroner listed him as a homicide victim this week.
(You have reached the end of the weekly listing of homicide victims in Los Angeles County, March 24-31, 2008.)
Willowbrook: A black man was shot in the 2100 block of Knopf Street about 5 a.m. Thursday, March 20. The man was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff' s Department are investigating.
Compton: Kenneth Taylor, 40-year-old black man, was shot and killed in the 1000 block of north Hickory Avenue in Compton about 6:20 a.m. Friday, March 21. Deputies from the Compton Sheriff' s station responded to a call of a gunshot victim. Upon arrival, deputies found the black man with multiple gunshot wounds. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene at 6:33 a.m.
Bellflower: A man was shot near Washington Street and Woodruff Avenue at about 10:15 p.m. Wednesday, March 12. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. HR is seeking further information.
The following posts represent the victims of homicide in Los Angeles County for the period of March 17-24, 2008.
 Jimmy Tran, an 18-year-old young Asian man, was shot in the head at the intersection of Charlotte Avenue and Park Street in Rosemead at about 11 p.m. Saturday, March 22. According to L.A. County Sheriff's Department, Tran and another man shot at each other from their respective cars. Tran was fatally hit and the other man was critically injured. Paramedics declared Tran dead at the scene. The other man was transported to a local hospital, authorities said.
Tran had turned 18 last Wednesday, March 19.
Rafael Tenes, a 26-year-old Latino man, was shot multiple times in the 8100 block of South Compton Avenue in Florence at about 9:29 p.m. Saturday, March 22. Tenes was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 9:54 p.m. Los angeles County Sheriff's homicide detectives are investigating.
Update: The L.A. County Sheriff's Department identified the 26-year-old Latino man as Rafael Perez. The L.A. County Coroner, however, has identified him as Rafael Tenes.
Larry Craig, a 23-year-old young black man, was fatally shot about 9 p.m. Friday March 21, in the 600 block of West 104th Street in South-Central Los Angeles. According to police, Craig had just left someone's home and was approaching Denver Avenue when two black men wearing black hooded sweatshirts walked up to him. One of the men pulled out a hangun and fired several times at Craig. The men were last seen running south on Denver Avenue, police said. Craig was taken to Harbor UCLA Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 9:36 p.m.. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call South Bureau Homicide Detectives Sammy Marullo or Nathan Kouri at (213) 785-1383
Alexander "Sasha" Merman, a 35-year-old white man, was found dead in his condominium in the 500 block of Montana Avenue in Santa Monica at about 8:05 p.m. Wednesday, March 19. Santa Monica Police Department said the building manager discovered the body and dialed 911. According to police, the building manager had been asked by Merman's mother to check up after she was unable to reach him by phone for several days. Santa Monica police said Merman had died from blunt force trauma, however, an autopsy performed Saturday revealed that Merman had died from multiple stab wounds, according to L.A. County Coroner Investigator Elissa Fleak. Police said Merman's death was not connected to Julianna Redding's death, listed below.
Merman, an artist, was born in Moscow and immigrated with his mother to Los Angeles in 1985. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1992 and in 1998 graduated from Otis College of Art and Design with a bachelor of fine arts degree in Illustration, according to his website, Sasha's Illusions.
Pablo Sambolin Ortiz, a 32-year-old Latino man, was mortally wounded when he was shot in the 1600 block of East Anaheim Street in Long Beach about 3:45 a.m. Sunday, March 16. He was in critical condition at St. Mary's Medical Center until Wednesday, March 19, when he was pronounced dead at 2:45 p.m. According to Long Beach police, Ortiz was inside a restaurant when he and another man began arguing. Police said the man followed Ortiz when he left the restaurant and shot him multiple times. Ortiz was hit in the neck and face, according to a coroner's report. The gunman was described only as a Latino man. Anyone with information can call Long Beach Police Department homicide Dets. Russ Moss or Teri Hubert at (562) 570-7244.
Hsiao Hsu, 45-year-old Chinese woman, was shot multiple times in an apparent home invasion in the 19700 block of East Cameron Avenue at about 11:40 a.m. Wednesday, March 19. Deputies with the L.A. County Sherrif's Walnut Station responded to a call of a burglary in progress. Upon entering the house, deputies discovered Hsu had been shot, authorities said. She was pronounced dead at the scene by L.A. County Fire Department paramedics. Authorities said witnesses saw one or more Latino men running westbound from the location. More in the Los Angeles Times story
 Kejuan Edward Bullard, 23, a young black man, was shot about 10:20 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, near the parking lot across BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse, located at 11101 183rd St. in Cerritos. Deputies patrolling the area heard gunshots and responded to the lot. Upon arrival, deputies found Bullard on the ground with gunshot wounds. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:08 a.m. the next day. Authorities said witnesses saw two black men running from the scene after the shooting; one man was carrying a handgun.
Steven Keith Toole, 44, a white man, died from blunt-force head trauma at Long Beach Memorial Hospital about 10:30 a.m. March 18. According to Cypress police, Toole was knocked unconscious when he was struck in the head with a pool cue during a fight at Breakers' bar, at 4360 Lincoln Ave. in Cypress about 3:50 p.m., March 17. Cypress police officers responded to a call of two men fighting inside the bar. Upon arrivial, officers found Toole on the ground and not breathing. Richard Lee Thompson was later arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Thompson may be charged with one count of murder. Although the crime occurred in Orange County, Toole died in L.A. County.
 Curtis Richardson, a 13-year-old black youth, was shot multiple times at 5411 2nd Ave. about 5 p.m. Monday, March 17. According to investigators, Richardson was standing with a friend when a suspect or suspects walked up to him and shot him several times. He was taken to California Hospital Medical Center, where he was declared dead at 7:43 p.m. Anyone with information can call the LAPD's 77th Street Division detectives at (213) 485-4175.
(You have reached the end of the weekly listing of homicide victims in Los Angeles County, March 17 - 24, 2008.)
Venice: A 25-year-old white homeless man was discovered partially buried in the sand near Ocean Front Walk and Breeze Avenue by L.A. City Park and Recreation employees at about 7 p.m. Sunday, March 9. According to police, the man was beaten to death, then dragged to the burial site. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Pacific Area Homicide (310) 782-6316
The following posts represent the victims of homicide in Los Angeles County for the period of March 10-17, 2008.
 Ray Miller Jr., a 24-year-old black man, was shot in the neck and torso at about 12:40 a.m. Monday, March 17, at 2103 W. 102nd St. in Athens, and died within an hour. Deputies got a call of a man down and found him lying in an alley. He was taken to Martin Luther King Jr. Harbor hospital, where he was pronounced dead 1:28 a.m.
 Juliana Redding, 21, a young white woman, was found dead inside her home at 1527 Centinela Ave. in Santa Monica, at about 6:10 p.m. Sunday, March 16. According to Lt. Alex Padilla from the Santa Monica Police Department, Redding's mother had called police from Tucson, Ariz., Sunday evening and told police that she had been unable to reach her daughter at her home. Officers were dispatched to the address and upon arrival discovered she had been killed during an assault. Anyone with information about the incident can call Santa Monica police detectives at (310) 458-8451.
Jose Luis Garcia, an 11-year-old Latino youth, was fatally shot in the chest in the 2000 block of East 15th Street in Long Beach about 10 p.m. Sunday, March 16. According to authorities, Jose Luis and a 20-year-old Latino man were standing outside when Jose Luis was hit in the chest, and the man was hit in the lower torso. Both were taken to a local hospital, where Jose Luis was pronounced dead at 10:34 p.m. The other man was listed in stable condition. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Long Beach Police Homicide Dets. Russell Moss and Terri Hubert at (562) 570-7244.
Thomas Rodriguez, 18-year-old, a young latino man, was shot outside Alberto's Mexican restaurant located at 1304 W. Pacific Coast Highway at about 2 a.m. Sunday March 16. Two groups of men were involved in a fight inside the restaurant as it was closing. The fight escalated further into the parking lot, where a Latino man pulled out a gun and fired several shots. Rodriguez was mortally wounded and was transported by ambulance to UCLA Harbor Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 3:35 a.m.
Florence: A Latino man was shot in the 8119 S. Hooper Ave. about 9:28 p.m. Sunday, March 16, in the unincorporated area of Florence. Sheriff's homicide Lt. Patrick Nelson described the victim as 20 to 25 years old. Nelson said deputies responding to a "shots fired" call found the man lying wounded on the sidewalk. The wounded man was taken to St. Francis hospital in Lynwood, were he was pronounced dead 9:54 p.m.
Francisco Martinez, a 47-year-old Latino man died from severe head injuries at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center at 3:35 a.m. Sunday, March 16. Martinez, a fruit vendor, was beaten in the parking lot of an Arco gas station at 14903 Victory Blvd about 10 p.m. March 8. A passerby found Martinez and called 911. The motive for the beating is still unknown, said Det. James Nuttall with the LAPD's Van Nuys Division. Martinez had been in intensive care and critical care before he died. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Van Nuys homicide unit at (818) 374-0040.
Rodney Carl Sandberg, 24, a white man, was shot multiple times inside a trailer home in an officer-involved shooting at 1820 Torrance Blvd in Torrance at about 9:44 p.m. Saturday, March 15. He was declared dead at the scene by paramedics. According to Lt. Tom Stark, police officers responded to a call regarding a suicide. Upon arrival, officers encountered Sandberg holding a steak knife to his chest. Family relatives were evacuated from the home. Officers then ordered Sandberg to drop the stake knife he was holding. Multiple Taser shocks administered by three officers were also ineffective, Stark said. Sandberg was shot multiple times when he allegedly advanced toward officers with the knife, said Lt. Lloyd DeGonia. It was unclear how many officers fired their weapons, authorities said. According to Sandberg's stepfather, Monte Self, 47, said he heard four to five shots.
According to Self, Sandberg had been drinking most of the day. He became angered when Self and his mother confronted him about his alcohol use. Self said Sandberg called police and told the dispatcher that someone had committed suicide. He then picked up a kitchen steak knife and pointed it at himself. Self said he was able to calm Sandberg down for a few minutes, but became angry again when officers arrived at the home.
Sandberg leaves behind a wife in Texas. Self said he had been released from prison 4 months ago and was working for a labeling company. His parole was going to end this December. Self said Sandberg's drinking was linked to a bad childhood. His father would physically abuse their mother in front of him, while growing up. When his mother ran off, he was left with his father, who also physically abuse him, Self said. He grew up through several foster care homes until he was 18-years-old, he added. "He had a lot of anger and bottled it in a lot," said Self.
 Diego Rey Garcia, a 20-year-old Latino young man, was shot in the torso at the intersection of Alameda Street and Firestone Boulevard in South Gate on Saturday, March 15, at about 1:45 a.m. and died at St. Francis hospital in Lynwood about 30 minutes later. A friend, a young Latino man riding in the car with him, was also wounded in the attack, but survived.
Garcia and his friend were driving away from a party, and had stopped at a red light. Several young Latino men pulled up next to them and began "mad dogging" them--challenging them with stares. The challenges escalated. "What are looking at?" the strangers yelled. "Want some?"
Garcia and his friend weren't looking for a fight. They weren't gang members. Neither had any criminal record. There were outnumbered. But before they could get away, the driver of the strangers' car got out, pulled out a gun, and starting shooting, striking both Garcia and his friend.
Garcia was at the wheel. Despite his wound, he managed to hit the accelerator and drive the car away around a corner, and pull over. Both victims were transported by paramedics. The friend was in stable condition as of Monday. Garcia worked as a music disc jockey.
A composite sketch of the alleged shooter is at right. He was described as five-foot-nine inches tall, thin, and in his early 20s. Anyone with information on his identity or whereabouts is asked to call sheriff's Det. Angus Ferguson. (323) 890-5500.
--Jill Leovy/LAT
Elmer Shelevy, 40, a white man, was shot near the intersection of Pioneer Boulevard and Potter Street in Norwalk at about 8:38 p.m. Friday, March 14. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 9:09 p.m.
 Jacob Lipson, a 51-year-old white man, was shot multiple times inside his home in the 9900 block of Durant Drive in Beverly Hills at about 12:05 a.m. Friday, March 14. He was declared dead by paramedics at 12:55 a.m. Authorities said officers with the Beverly Hills Police Department responded to a radio call of shots fired. Upon arrival, officers conducted a search at the home and discovered that Lipson had been shot multiple times with a handgun. An officer saw a woman walking to her car near Santa Monica Boulevard and detained her for questioning. "It turns out she was involved in the incident," said Lt. Tony Lee of the Beverly Hills Department. Eleonora Iordanova Igova, 30, a white woman and Lipson's wife, was arrested on suspicion of murder. "It was a good observation on the officer's part," said Lee. The motive for the shooting was still unknown.
Kevin Castillo, a 20-year-old young Lation man, was shot in the 1600 block of Manor Circle at about 10:11 p.m. Wednesday, March 11. According to Pomona police, Castillo was standing outside with a group of friends when a dark colored vehicle drove by and began shooting at them. Castillo was hit and was taken by car to Pomona Valley Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 10:28 p.m.
Marco Ernesto Avila, a 33-year-old Latino man, was shot and killed at the intersection of Watson Avenue and L Street in Wilmington about 8:55 p.m. Thursday, March 13. According to police, Gang Enforcement officers from LAPD's South Bureau saw Avila allegedly committing a traffic violation. Officers pulled him over, then Avila dropped his bicycle and began fighting with officers. Police claim that Avila fired several rounds from a weapon he had concealed in his pocket. Officers Enrique Lopez and James Stover, fired back. Avila was hit several times. He was transported to St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach, where he was pronounced dead at 9:21 p.m. Police said a blue steel .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol was recovered at the scene.
 Ricardo Rivera Jr., 18, a young Latino man, was fatally shot at about 9:15 p.m. in the 300 block of East 80th Street in South-Central Los Angeles Thursday, March 13. Rivera was standing on the driveway when a 13-year-old youth approached and allegedly shot him. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics pronounced Rivera dead at the scene. Police later arrested the 13-year-old youth on suspicion of murder that day.  He was booked at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall. Detectives said the pair had quarreled the previous day. Rivera's family described him as a happy young man who was contemplating going back to school. His mother made a point of expressing deep gratitude to the witnesses who had cooperated with the police investigation. "Thank them in my name," she told a reporter. Right, his niece wears a memorial T-shirt.
Deborah Lynn Lepper, a 54-year-old white woman, was mortally wounded as she drove eastbound on the San Bernardino Freeway in Pomona at about 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 12. According to the California Highway Patrol, Lepper's Chrysler Sebring crashed into the sound wall west of White Avenue after she was shot once in the head. County Fire Department paramedics discovered she had been shot. She was transported to Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead the next day at 12:30 a.m. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the CHP's Baldwin Park office at (626) 338-1164 or the Southern Division investigative services unit at (323) 644-9550.
Ricky Paine, 38, and Antionne Russell, 19, two black men, were shot at the intersection of Blount Place and Atlantic Avenue in Lynwood at about 8:02 p.m. Wednesday, March 12. Both men were transported to a local hospital, where they were both pronounced dead. Russell's time of death was listed at 8:34 p.m. Paine's time of death was listed at 8:50 p.m., according to a coroner's report.
Antionne Russell, a 19-year-old young black man, is the second victim in the double homicide listed above.
Sergio Jose Rojas, 21, a young Latino man, was shot multiple times in an officer-involved shooting at the Ramona Gardens Housing Development in Boyle Heights about 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 12. According to police, Officers Jose Alfaro and Jacob Avalos with LAPD's Community Law Enforcement and Recovery unit were patrolling the area on foot when they responded to a radio call of a suspect on a bicycle refusing to be detained. Alfaro and Avalos hid behind some buildings and attempted to apprehend Rojas as he approached their location. Police say Rojas abandoned his bicycle, pulled out a small-caliber pistol and led the officers on a foot pursuit. Rojas then allegedly pointed the pistol at the officers as he was running. The officers fired several shots, striking Rojas multiple times. He was taken to County-USC Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Police said a chrome .25-caliber semi-automatic pistol was recovered at the scene. The shooting is being investigated by LAPD's Force Investigation Division.
Elnora Louie, a 54-year-old black woman, died from severe head injury at 4374 S. Wall St. in LAPD's Newton Division area. Her time of death was listed at 7:24 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, according to a coroner's report.
Freddy Carranza Jr., 26, a Latino man, was fatally shot at 225 N. Avenue 53 about 8:30 p.m. in Highland Park on Tuesday, March 11. According to authorities, Carranza was in the hallway of his apartment building when a suspect or suspects approached him and shot him with a handgun. He was declared dead at the scene by paramedics about 8:46 p.m. The shooting is gang-related, police said.
Mikea Lim, a 1-year-old toddler, died from severe head injuries at 340 W. Wilson Ave. in Glendale. The time of death was listed at 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 11. According to the coroner's office the mother said the toddler fell down the stairs.
Update: The Los Angeles County Coroner said the incident is first being investigated as a homicide, but said that the investigation could close either as a homicide or accidental death.
Angel Martinez, 62, a white man, was found dead with an arrow in his chest at about 1:45 a.m. in the intersection of 13th Street East and Avenue K in Lancaster Tuesday, March 11. He was declared dead by paramedics at the scene. Deputies from the L.A. County sheriff's Lancaster station responded to a radio call of a man down from a traffic accident. Upon arrival, deputies discovered the man with an arrow lodged in his chest. More in the Los Angeles Times story.
Fernando Guerera, a 17-year-old Latino youth, was mortally wounded by a gunshot to the head in the riverbed of the Los Angeles River near the 710 Freeway in South Gate about 3:25 a.m. Saturday, March 9. Guerera was taken to a local hospital, where he died the next day at 12:47 p.m. A witness saw several people running from the area after hearing gunshots and dialed 911. Detectives from the sheriff's homicide bureau are investigating.
(You have reached the end of the weekly listing of homicide victims in Los Angeles County, March 10 - 17 2008.)
The following posts represent the victims of homicide in Los Angeles County for the period of March 3-10, 2008.
Trancito Hernandez, a 27-year-old Latino man, was found dead in the 2900 block of S. Norton Avenue in the Jefferson Park area at about 6 a.m. Monday, March 10. He was declared dead at the scene by paramedics at 6:45 a.m. According to authorities, Hernandez had parked his car and was walking to his mother's house when a suspect or suspects approached and shot him. Officer Ana Aguirre of LAPD's media relations office said residents in the area heard gunshots at about midnight, but did not report them immediately to police.
 Mylus Mondy, 48, a black man, an off-duty U.S. Customs and Border Protection employee for LAX, was shot in the back at about 11:30 p.m. Sunday, March 9, at 6611 La Cienega Westway in Ladera Heights. Mondy was transported to a local hospital, where he died the next day at 5:48 a.m. According to police, Mondy pulled into a Bank of America parking lot and walked up to an ATM, where adjacently a black man was robbing an ATM user at gunpoint. The gunman then turned his attention to Mondy, hitting him with his gun and demanding money. Fearing for his life, Mondy ran; the gunman chased after him while firing. Mondy was hit in the back and was mortally wounded.
Mondy was a CBP technician assigned to the Passenger Operations division of U.S. Customs Border and Protection. He provided support from security to collecting fines and penalties as a cashier. He was described as a "good hearted" man who reached out to help people, according to Sergio Espinoza, assistant port director of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. He helped repaired the fence of a co-workers home; installed blinds in an office when he was off duty, Espinoza recalled. He said Mondy was going to "be dearly missed."
 Bank of America is offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the killer. He is described as a black man, between 5-foot-8 and 5- foot-11 inches tall. Anyone with information can call Dets. Wallace Tennelle or Corbin Rheaul from LAPD's robbery-homicide division at (213) 485-2129.
Update: Authorities announced Friday, March 14, the arrest of McKenzie Bryant, 23, and his female companion Enjoli McClendon, 22, on suspicion of murder.
Continue reading "Mylus Mondy, 48" »
Katan Khaimov, a 70-year-old white man, was stabbed at 7414 Romaine St. at about 11:10 p.m. Sunday, March 9. Khaimov was stabbed while on his nightly walk near the Poinsettia Park area. Officers from LAPD's Hollywood Division responded to a call of a man lying on the street. Upon arrival, officers learned that Khaimov had been stabbed. He was taken by ambulance to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he died the next day at 12:04 a.m.
Khaimov was a husband, a father of five children and a grandfather of one, KNBC Channel 4 reported. Olga Kymova, a daughter, told the television station that her mother had learned about the stabbing when she encountered police investigators at the scene. Her mother had gone out looking for Khaimov by car, she said.
Centrail Lindsey, a 28-year-old black man, was shot multiple times at 318 W. Magnolia St. in Compton at about 12:05 a.m. Monday, March 10. He was pronounced dead at 12:40 a.m. by paramedics. Detectives from the sheriff's Homicide Bureau are investigating.
Alfredo Avila, a 20-year-old young Latino man, was shot and killed in the 200 block of Avenue 59 at about 10:30 p.m. in Highland Park on Sunday, March 9. Avila was standing outside of an apartment complex when a suspect or suspects fired several shots, said Det. Pjai Morris of LAPD's Northeast Division. Avila was hit as he attempted to run from the shooters. Northeast police officers patrolling the area heard the shots and responded to the location. The officers were flagged down by neighbors in the area and were told that a shooting had just occurred. Upon arrival, officers discovered Avila with gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at 10:40 p.m. by paramedics.
Tiffany Woods was shot while sitting in a car in an alley behind 321 West Alondra Ave. in Compton at about 9:50 p.m on Sunday, March 9. According to the L.A. County Sheriff's Department, Woods was sitting inside a car with a friend and a child when four men approached the car. An argument broke out between the men and the two women and shots were fired. The child was not injured. Woods and her friend were taken to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 10:23 p.m. Her friend was listed in stable condition, authorities said. Age of Tiffany Woods coming soon.
Jairo Reyes, an 18-year-old Latino young man, was shot multiple times in the torso at 1175 E. 58th St. in South-Central Los Angeles early in the morning Sunday, March 16, and died shortly after at County-USC Medical Center, at about 2:17 a.m.
Reyes was at the wheel of a van when the suspects noticed him driving through the neighborhood, and opened fire. Mortally wounded, he drove a short distance further, and crashed into some parked cars. He lived in the neighborhood, or nearby. Anyone with information is asked to call LAPD Newton Det. Richard Arciniega at (213)846-6556.-Jill Leovy/LAT
Michael Fabian, a 16-year-old Latino youth, was shot in an alley behind 8519 Corbin Ave. at about 12:40 a.m. Sunday, March 9. Fabian was attending a birthday party when a fight broke out. During the scuffle, a Latino man pulled out a handgun and fired two shots. Fabian was hit in the chest and collapsed; another Latino man was hit in the shoulder. Both Fabian and the man were transported to a local hospital, where Fabian was pronounced dead at 12:53 a.m. The other man was listed in stable condition, said Det. Mike Fesperman of LAPD's Devonshire Division.
Ary Caballero, a 19-year-old Latino man, was shot at 10900 S. Grevillea Ave. in Lennox at about 11:30 p.m. Sunday, March 9. Authorities said Caballero was attending a party when a suspect or suspects sneaked behind a neighbor's block wall, then began firing at several of the invited guests. Caballero was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 1:28 a.m. Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call (323) 890-5500.
Rosendo Manrique, a Latino man, was shot multiple times in the 28700 block of Lincoln Street at about 12:13 a.m. Sunday, March 9. Manrique was attending a birthday party when a fight broke out between him and another Latino man, authorities said. The man pulled out a handgun and fired several shots, wounding Manrique and injuring another Latino man. Both men were taken to a local hospital, where Manrique was pronounced dead. The second man was listed in stable condition. The suspect was only described as a Latino man, authorities said. Homicide detectives with the Sheriff's Department are investigating. Victim's age coming soon.
Jorge Casillas, a 28-year-old Latino man, was shot in the back with a shotgun in the block of 3500 E. Siskiyou Street near the Boyle Heights area at about 10 p.m. Friday, March 7. Casillas had just arrived home and had exited his vehicle when several Latino men approached him and shot him, said Det. Scott Smith from LAPD's Rampart Division. Casillas was transported to County-USC Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 12:31 a.m. the next day. Anyone with information about the incident can call (323) 526-3000.
 Joe Encinas, a 38-year-old Latino man, was shot and killed at about 2 a.m. in La Puente on Saturday, March 8. He was declared dead at the scene by paramedics. According to Det. Abe Brown of the sheriff's Homicide Bureau, Encinas pulled alongside his home in his blue Ford Probe near the intersection of Tonopah Avenue and E. Amar Road at about 1:50 a.m. when a suspect or suspects approached him and fired several shots. Encinas, mortally wounded, gunned it to escape the shooting. He traveled south on Tonopah Avenue before crashing into a playground fence at Sunset Elementary School, Brown said.
Encinas leaves behind an 18-year-old daughter. His father is retired but still works to help support the family. Brown said the father had heard the shots, but didn't know it was his son who had been shot until detectives called to inform him.
Anyone with information about the incident can call Det. Abe Brown at the sheriff's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.
Anthony Ezquiel Escobar, a 13-year-old Latino youth, was shot to death Thursday, March 6, about 8 p.m. in the 800 block of North Bonnie Brae Street in Echo Park. Police said his uncle found him in his own driveway, clinging to life, after his mother became concerned that he had not returned from one of his regular trips to get lemons. He was rushed to Children’s Hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds.
Investigators said Anthony is not himself a gang member, but does have relatives associated with an Echo Park gang. Police are focusing on gang members from a rival territory whom they believe drove into the area to shoot someone.
It is the fourth killing or serious wounding of a Los Angeles youth in the last two weeks. Anthony was also known as "Chucho."
Update: Police originally said Anthony's uncle found him in the driveway, but in subsequent reports, it was learned it was his adult cousin, who helped raise him.
See L.A. Times story:
Steven Smith, 39, a black man, was shot in the head at about 1:20 a.m. in the 700 block of West 43rd Street in South-Central L.A. on Wednesday, March 5. Residents in the area were awakened by mulitple gunshots. Smith, mortally wounded, was discovered on the sidewalk. He was transported to a local hospital, where he died the next day at 3:10 p.m. The motive for the shooting is unknown, said Det. Robert Lait of LAPD's South Bureau.
 Ryan Daniel Gonzalez, a 26-year-old Latino man, was shot by an off-duty deputy U.S. marshal behind 7315 Melrose Ave. in hollywood just before midnight Wednesday, March 5. According to police, the marshal was arguing with his wife in an alley near the intersection of Poinsettia Street and Melrose Avenue, when Gonzalez intervened. After arguing with the marshal, Gonzalez allegedly brandished a gun at him. Police then claim Gonzalez grabbed the marshal and began punching him in the head several times. The marshal broke free and identified himself as a law enforcement officer, but Gonzalez continued to point the gun at him. Fearing for his life, the marshal pulled out a sidearm and fired several shots. Gonzalez was hit multiple times and was transported to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 12:26 a.m. the next day. The marshal, whose name was withheld pending an investigation of the incident, was later arrested on suspicion of domestic battery.
Luis Farfan, a 27-year-old Latino man, was fatally shot at about 9 p.m. at 5907 S. Crocker St. in South-Central L.A. Wednesday, March. 5. According to police, Farfan was arguing with a Latino man when he was shot. The man may be related to Farfan, said Officer Ana Aguirre from LAPD's media relations. Farfan was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics at 9:12 p.m.
 Bobby Ray Johnson, Jr., 26, a black man, was found dead of a single stab wound in an alley near the intersection of 112th Street and South Hobart Boulevard in Athens on Tuesday, March 4. His time of death was listed at 7:36 p.m. Sheriff's deputies were called to the scene by an anonymous 911 call, and found his body.
Lawrence Smith, 24, a young black man, was fatally shot in an officer-involved shooting at 5160 Vineland Ave. in North Hollywood at about 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, March 4. According to police, the shooting occurred when an off-duty U.S. deputy marshal saw two men attempting to the rob the store he was in. Police said the marshal confronted the robbers and fired several shots. Smith was hit in the head and was transported to a local hospital, where he died at 6:22 p.m. The name of the marshal was not released, pending an investigation of the shooting. The second black man fled on foot and is still at large. The incident may be linked to a series of robberies in the area by the Skeleton Bandits, police said.
 Norman Strawder, 56, and Bejamin Clemmons, 36, two black men, were fatally shot at 1749 E. 54th Street at about 5:35 a.m. Monday, March 3. The two men were standing outside when they were shot several times. Strawder was hit in the torso. Clemmons was hit in the head, torso and right leg. Residents discovered the two wounded men after the gunfire ended, said Homicide Det. Meghan Aguilar from LAPD's Newton Division. Clemmons was pronounced dead at 5:45 a.m. by paramedics. Strawder was taken by ambulance to County-USC hospital, where he died at 6:08 a.m. The motive for the shooting is unknown, Aguilar said. The two men were not related, she added. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call (323) 846-5363 or (877) 529-3855.
Update: On Thursday, April 17, Councilmember Jan Perry announced a reward of $75,000 for the information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspects involved in the double homicide.
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On Friday, Feb. 8, Antwan Cole lay mortally wounded near a bus stop in Athens. He had been shot multiple times in a drive-by shooting. A person living across the street heard the gunfire and dialed 911. Paramedics listed the 19-year-old as "Antwan Doe" and transported him to UCLA-Harbor Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead at 12:24 a.m. Feb. 9. He was listed as an "unknown black male" by the Los Angeles County coroner.
