Jamiel Shaw Jr., 17

Jamiel Shaw Jr., 17, a black youth, was shot in the head and back at 2150 Fifth Ave. in Arlington Heights at about 8:40 p.m. on Sunday, March 2. According to police, Jamiel was walking home when two Latino men jumped out of a white car and approached him. He was asked what gang he belonged to;  when he failed to respond quickly enough, they shot him. The men sped away in the white car north on Fifth Avenue, according to Officer Kate Lopez of LAPD's media relations office. Jamiel's father heard the shots and ran out. He stayed by his son until medical personnel arrived, Lopez said. He was transferred to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead at 9:55 p.m.

More in the Los Angeles Times story.

Comments

[andy alvarez]

hello I just want to say to the family that I attended a football camp and that jamiel was an amazing person as well as an amazing athlete. Jamiel seemed to always be happy and humble and was a perfect example of how a football player should act. For every game this past season I wrote jamiels name and number on my gloves and wrist tape. I'm sorry for your loss
-andy Alvarez
Crespi highschool #66

[felicia]

I REMEBER THE DAY I WAS WATCHING THE NEWS,MY HEART BEGAN TO HURT FOR YOUR FAMILY,MORE FOR JAMIEL'S MOTHER .NOT BEING ABLE TO SEE YOUR CHILD OR CALL OUT HIS NAME . WAS SOMETHING I COULDN'T SAY AT THAT TIME.UNTIL MARCH 25,2008.MY SON WAS SHOT SIX TIMES .HE LOST HALF OF BOTH OF HIS LUNG'S, HIS SPLEN, HALF OF HIS LIVER ,1KIDNEY AND HIS STOMACH IS THE SIZE OF AGOLF BALL AND FIFTY LITTER'S OF BLOOD WITH A 10% CHANCE TO LIVE .HE STAYED IN A COMA FOR A MONTH AND A HALF. SO CAN YOU TELL HOW CAN A MOTHER HOLD,PRAYING FOR HER CHILD'S LIFE.ONLY TO NOT JUST FOR MY BUT EVERY MOTHER AFTER ME .TO NOT HAVE TO ENDOR THE PAIN .BUT TO LOK DEEP WITH INSIDE YOUR CHILD'S FACE. AND FACE DEATH SO CLOSE. IT HURTS .AND YOU TRUN AND FACE YOUR OTHER CHILDREN TO SEE THE SAME FEAR. YOU KNOW IT'S TIME TO STAND UP . SO WE STAND WITH JAMIEL AND HIS FAMILY.AND BECAUSE OTHER KID'S HAVE THE RIGHT TO LIVE LIFE. AS GOD INTENDED.NO ONE HAS THE RIGHT TO TAKE A PERSON'S LIFE JUST BECAUSE YOU FEEL YOU CAN . BUT HOPE THAT THEY UNDERSTAD THAT THAT THE ARE ONLY HURTING THEMSELF'S. SO IT'S TIME TO HELP FIGTH FOR OUR KID'S LIFE.WE ALL HAVE SOMETHING GOOD TO SAY,SAY IT WITH LOVE AND UNDERSTANDING.SO THE WORLD CAN HEAR AND LISTENAND.AND UNDERSAND WHAT IT MEAN TO BE LOVED . IT'S TIME FOR CHANG.EVERY ONE HAS SOMETHING GOOD WITH INTHEM TO SHARE WITH THIS WORLG.STAND UP AND SAY IT WE'LL BROTHER AND SISTER. LOVE ALL OTHER AND LIVE LIFE. AND WATCH GOD SMILE.AND RUN YOUR BEST GO AS JAMIEL WOULD .BECAUSE HE IS THE TRUE WINNER.YOU SAW HIS GAME.NOW PLAY YOUR'S . IT'S ALL GOOD. WE LOVE YOU ALWAYS.PEACE BE WITH YOU

[Susie]

I just read this story in my criminal class. I want to say to the parents to have faith that someday you will see your child again. God heal your wounds. I dont understand why the killers think they have the right to take some one life just by asking what gang they are in. but in the end God will judge. Shaw family prayers go out you. God bless you.

[armando]

I dont think its the Canadiens thats shooting everyone fool.. and why would we blame the white man, we need to look at ourselves first. Latinos and the blacks fighting over a torn down hood that nobody takes care of is the problem!!!!

[syscom3]

Posted by: JP

On another word, f*** you, America.

Strong words to say. perhaps you can elebaorate?

[SFStranger]

If this doesn't serve as a reminder to what gangs can do to people and their families I don't know what will.

We need to stop this people. We need to come together and put an end to this. This shouldn't have to happen to somebody's child/friend/relative.

I hope those of you in LA find a way to rise up over this violence and helps your brothers and sisters in need.

[EBON EPPS]

JAMEAL ANDREW SHAW WAS MY CUZINN ANDD I MISS HIMM SO0 MUCHH ANDD I WISH HEE WAS STILL HERE WITH MEEH. TO HIS LIL BROTHER THOMAS HOPE YOU R DO0IN O KAYY AND I HOPE I CANN SHEE U AND YOUR DAD............

R.I.P JAS

BY: EBONY EPPS

[fatty]

TO THE SHAW FAMILY:I DID NOT KNOW YOUR SON PERSONALLY BUT I JUST WANT TOO SAY I LOVE HIM SO MUCH AND IM SORRY THAT HAPPENED TOO HIM HE WAS A INNOCENT BY STANDARD MY PRAYERS ARE ALWAYS WITH YOU GUYS...SINCERELY MS.DAVIS

[Franchize]

Jamiel been my bestfriend ever since the 9 grade and he was the sweetest honnest person ever...it wasnt his time to die its never anyone time to die . God is the one who gives us life he should be the only's one to take it from us . I dont care how bad a person might be or from what Gang they are i would never wish death on anyone...Jamiel was the lay bacc type of dude who took care of his own . He never mess around anyone and he was always a Good friend. He made me laugh every time i was sad and he was always around to give me a hand....Its been now 1years since his death and i still cant belive that he is gone to a better place ..i Wake up every day wondering why they had to take his life away and every day i stay with the same question mark..At first i was mad at Espinoza for what he had done but now all i can say is THAT GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF HIM ...God do things for a reason and no one knows why he took Jamiel away from us . But all i know is that one day i will be able to sit right beside him like we use to and have a good time ....I miss you Jazz Hope you looking down on me..

[karinaGarcia]

whut tha hell is up with tha world lately i swear ?! people killing people for no reason , asking where they from , where they bang , and all that non sense . this innocent guy got killed just because they wanted to know who he banged and it turns out he wasn't a gang member ! this world is so outta hand , insane , and heartless . like two days ago a guy got stabbed to death down my block while he was with his girl . you know how sad that is ? and this poor guy got shot when he had a great career coming his way . its devastating to know that people kill and have no mercy . i can't believe that this doesn't even affect them . tha poor guy had his future planned out already . he was going to be successful but all l know that its all thrown away because some sick bastard had to go and shoot him . I'm a fourteen year old girl living in California and I may still be young but I understand very well how some sick person can go shoot someone and it hurts me so much to read about this all this gun shooting . I send my love to all of his family and I want to let them know they are not alone , that justice will be served for his sake . this broke me down in tears and I just want all his family to know that there will be a change and that hopefully this is STOPPED .

[unknown]

" 187 dont make u O.G"
Ice Cube: Why Me?
my condolences to the Shaw family

[JP]

I think this is a very messed up story and I also give my condolences to the Shaw family. This s*** has to stop. People can't go around shooting brothas because they're black or may be in a gang. That's just f****d up. But I could care less about the illegal immigration. I don't get why anyone would want to live in this country full of hypocrites, rich white conservatives, and blaming of the Muslim Religion. In conclusion, the Shaw family are in my mind, and I hope they feeling better after their son's tragic loss. On another word, f*** you, America.

[chicanita]

I can't belive that their are so many ignorant bafoons on the internet. first of all eveyone came from descendents that came to the united states. so i don't know why so many caucasians think that they r superior just because they are white. and y everytime someone talks about illegal alliens they always have to target latinos? we r not the only ones crossing the border, look at the canadians u stupid retards. and everyone knows, well everyone who isn't ignorant that latinos, especially mexicans are homogenous to this hemisphere. we have always been here, the united states hates us cuz of conquest.you guys just need a history lesson. and it does suck what happened to this kid. but just cuz it happened to him that dosen't mea that the rest of the latino community is guilty for whta happened to him. my parents came here illegally, my mom is a u.S. citizen know and my father is a resident.

[Dee]

My condolences to the Shaw family. This should never have happened. The first step is to stop the invasion of illegals entering this country. The petition shouldn't just be for CA, it should be nation wide, as Amber Alert was nation wide. Congress must do something---but they won't, they don't have the backbone to defend our own country!

[Helen Yoo]

well i wish the LAPD shouldn't see jamiel shaw Jr
it feels sad cause there was a big gun shot in crenshaw ave Arlington heights fifth Avenue but his family looks so upset and i fell bad for jamiel shaw Jr

[Erica]

When a person hates themself, it is hard if not impossible for them to love others. The world is now so much filled with hate that it is questionable if love can stand a chance. But still I have hope.

[NONYA]

CONTENDER, LEARN TO USE QUOTATIONS CORRECTLY.... ITS A GOD AWFUL SHAM THAT YOU EVEN HAVE TO HAVE A CONVERSATION ABOUT WHAT "HOOD" SOMEONE IS AFFILIATED WITH OR WHOSE TURF CERTAIN AREAS BELONG TO. WE LIVE IN AMERICA YOU KNOW, "THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND, THIS LAND IS MY LAND, FROM CALIFORNIA TO THE NEW YORK ISLAND..." STOP THE KILLING!!!!! ALL THIS JUST SHOWS THE IMMATURITY OF THESE "GANG BANGERS" YOU DON'T OWN PARTS OF NEIGHBORHOODS JUST BECAUSE YOU SAY SO OR SOMEONE SAYS SO. WE SHARE AMERICA. THIS YOUNG MAN HAD A RIGHT TO BE WHERE HE WAS WHEN HE WAS AND NOT BE SHOT TO DEATH BECAUSE HE SAID OR DIDN'T SAY SOMETHING THAT SOMEONE DIDN'T LIKE. THIS IS THE REALITY OF AMERICA NOW, WHAT A SHAM.
SHAW FAMILY, MY DEEPEST SYMPATHIES.

[Starsha Ann Smith]

man i wish yell good luck in im sorry who ever did this need to be in

[J]

I am disgusted to find that even when a young black man is the VICTIM of a violent crime, people will still go to any length to demonize him. There is no evidence that Jamal was a gang member; why try to blame the dead for his own murder?

[Street Kings]

First of All its hard to believe an Eighteenth Streeter would waste his or her time on an innocent person..Innocent people don't involve themselves in gang culture whatsoever, So I feel sorry for those killed as bystanders, but Jamiel was no Bystander he more than likely claimed the hood he was from and got himself killed, we have no one to blame but them, that is the Neighborhoods. As for the guy being an illegal immigrant, that's just a variable, cuz' bloods and Eighteens have been going at it for sometime and gangs don't discriminate. I personally went to L.A High and I know there's bloods there, they used to jump Hispanics all day just cuz' "All Mexicans are from Eighteen," naive people die in the most naive of ways.

[O'Dawg]

Contenter - In this country, I can make any statement that I want as long as I back it up with facts and stand by it. I gave an explanation for what is alleged to be his myspace page. I can make no excuses for Jamiel because I didn't create the content, nor can I confirm his intent. Only Jamiel can and, unfortunately, he's gone. When I have questioned kids about what I see on their myspace or facebook pages, there responses are usually, "I was just goofin" or "Everybody does that do their page...it don't mean nothin". As far as Pedro's intent, he didn't have to mention race. Gang membership very rarely crosses racial lines so it is a reasonable (really?) assumption that a young male of another ethnic group is possibly in a rival gang. However, I can't truly speak for Pedro's intent because I wasn't in his head, either. Of course, he's still around to tell, and maybe he will someday. That will be of little solace to the Shaw family and Jamiel's friends, though.

Before trying to ruin his good name, I would attempt to find a little more proof than a "myspace" page. In support of his NOT being in a gang, however, I don't see any BIPs from the "homies" on the blogs, unlike other victims whose gang membership is definitely not in question.

...and my condolences to the Shaw family. Keep up the fight for Jamiel's law.

[Contender]

O"Dawg, you can't make excuses for Jamiel's affiliation. If you walk like a duck, talk like a duck, dress like a duck, then, people are going to assume you are a duck. This cat had SABG on his myspace page. That stands for SECOND AVE GANGSTER BLOODS. Guess what, that's a clik of Rolling 20's NHBloods. And guess what, they are at war with 18st. Remember, when Pedro Espinoza jumped at the car and ran up to Jamiel, he asked, "where you from??" Not once did he mention race. People forget that 18st SHARES ITS TURF WITH ANOTHER BLACK GANG. The Hoovers. THEY GET ALONG AND DON'T FIGHT WITH ONE ANOTHER. The media doesn't report these facts because they want to paint a "certain" picture. But those of us in the streets, living the life, really know what's going on. Unfortunately Jamiel thought "claiming" the hood was funny and didn't take it that seriously. He paid for it and this is tragic. Life goes on.

[O'Dawg]

Because I work with kids and still remember my experiences as a kid, I have a couple of points on the alleged myspace page.

I know many kids who think it's both cool and necessary to have a defacto affiliation with a gang, if only because they live within that gang's territory. In many cases, the necessity is associated with not having your butt kicked every time you come out of the house. In these cases, someone may not have an active membership or role in a gang, but may not act against the gang's interests, either.

The other point is that when you grow up in a neighborhood, you make friends who may "mature" into other roles. I had many friends in elementary school who joined gangs in middle school. My level of association with them had to drop, but I did not totally disassociate myself from them because I valued the friendship.

To say that Jamiel Shaw had a gang affiliation is a very broad statement. It is similar to saying that you have a white affiliation because there are white people where you work. You may not do and support everything that they do, but by virtue of working in the same place, you have an affiliation; but it doesn't make you white. There are many myspace pages by ACTUAL GANG MEMBERS that glorify their life, so without seeing all of Jamiel's page, using that as a basis for gang membership is a stretch at best.

[TRTUTH SEEKER]

If you go to his page on myspace and look at his headline. It's clear that he was gang affiliated despite any report that may say other wise.

30K means Harlem 30's Killa
EK means 18th Street Killa.

So he obvioulsy had some issues with rival gangs. Looks like he wasn't so innocent after all.

http://www.myspace.com/185526611

[sick of the drama]

Its really sad that another kid had to die because he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Oh wait...he was headed to the one place that should be safe to all kids, home. His mom is out fighting for all of us and his dad was busy raising two boys to be men, not coward drug running losers. News flash to all the VATOS LOCOS out there...not every black guy is in a gang. And to all the thugs on the black side, not every hispanic is in a gang. I think that this country needs to bring back public execution. In the "dark" ages there was alot less violence against others.

If you feel the need to kill someone please join the military so that you can shoot at the people we are supposedly at war with.