Christopher Taylor, 19
Christopher Taylor, 19, a young black man, was shot and killed outside his home in the 3600 block of 7th Avenue in the Jefferson Park area at about 10:15 p.m. Friday, June 13.
According to a neighbor,Taylor and a friend were leaning against a car, text-messaging on their cellphones, when a vehicle drove up next to them. A person from inside the car said "what's up homie," then began shooting, hitting Taylor at least once in the head. The neighbor, Tanesha Burson, 32, said she ran out and saw Taylor's mother holding him. "She kept screaming, 'My son, my son.'"
Burson ran down the street to a fire station and told firefighters about the shooting. Then she returned and held Taylor's mother while firefighters treated Taylor.
Paramedics took Christopher Taylor to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His friend, wounded in the leg, was also hospitalized and recovered. Burson said she visited Taylor's friend at the hospital, and that he told her the shooter was a black man.
Taylor was raised in Ohio by his father. He attended and graduated from high school in Ohio, then came to Los Angeles to live with his mother, according to Burson. She said Taylor had only been in Los Angeles for a year and had recently taken his girlfriend to her high school prom.
"That's his prom picture," Burson said, glancing at his memorial shrine.
Taylor was employed at Tak's Garden Supplies at 12th Avenue and Jefferson Boulevard. The store owner said Taylor had worked there for a few months. He said Taylor was a good kid and a good worker, but could not say anything further because he did not know him too well. "Out of all people," said a co-worker at the store.
"He was just minding his own business," another neighbor said.
On Monday, drivers in the neighborhood would slow down to glance at the shrine. "He didn't gang-bang, he was a good kid," Burson said.
Update: Christopher Taylor's mother, Angel Taylor, 37, said she never touched her son after he was shot. Angel said she was afraid to hurt her son by moving him. Instead, Angel said she started punching the rear window of her parked truck. Her fiance, Richard Chong, 48, tried to keep Christopher awake by talking to him. Questioned whether any other details from Burson was incorrect, Angel Taylor said no. "That's how it happened," she said over the phone.
im so sad to here this about this young man, my nephew just passed the same way, when is all this killing going to stop, my heart goes out to his family and friends, because it has only been 2 wks since we buried my nephew Deepest sympathy
Posted by: lataunya rouse | June 18, 2008 at 02:58 PM
Dear Lord, when will this end, so much heartache, I fear for our children, I fear for my sons...
Posted by: Abigail Sanchez | June 19, 2008 at 08:08 AM
heyyy chris.
whatssup ?
i kno that you are alwaysss gonna be in a better place called heaven.
but you will never be forgotten.
much loveee dis wayyy
Posted by: Marissa | June 19, 2008 at 08:46 AM
THIS IS REALLY HARD FOR ME I'VE HAD THE PLEASURE OF MEETING CHRIS AND HIS BROTHERS WHEN THEY CAME TO VISIT ONE SUMMER THEY WERE VERY RESPECTFUL GOOD KIDS I LIVED ACROSS THE STREET FROM MRS TAYLOR FOR 5 YEARS WHEN I RECIVED THE CALL ABOUT CHRIS I THOUGHT I WAS DREAMING I SAID THIS CAN'T BE TRUE. SUCH A GOOD KID I LOVE U ANGEL MATT ,BRANDON I WILL ALWAYS HAVE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN PRAYER AND TO MR TAYLOR AND THE BOYS STAY STRONG AND MAY THE LORD KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN HIS TENDER LOVING HANDS
Posted by: bridgttechrls23 | June 19, 2008 at 01:48 PM
Angel, My deepest sympthy goes out to you and your family for the lost of your son. It kills me to see young men killing eachother for no reason, This week has been very hard I have seen 2 people that I know lose there family member over nothing. I know god will bring you healing to you and your family and Justice will be served. God will always have the finally judgement, Just know that Chris is in a better and safer place than we can ever be on. May God Rest his Soul and May god bless you and your family and you will always be in me and my family prayers
Posted by: VAL | June 19, 2008 at 03:02 PM
Very sad such an innocent young man came to kurrupted Cali and lost his life to some ignorant COWARDS. May the Lord Bless You and your Family, you deserve justice R.I.P you are a child of God.
Posted by: Precious | June 19, 2008 at 05:53 PM
chris,
it was only going to be a couple weeks till we all saw your face in ohio again. you would've been here when my daughter was born. terrel called and told me the night he found out then the next day he said you didnt make it. i cried. i still cry. i miss you. you were like my big brother. i looked up to you. i still do. i'm not going to say goodbye because i kno we'll meet again some day. until then, like always, i will look to you in admiration and never let a day go by that i dont remember you or mention you. terrel says he knows you didnt leave him because he can feel you keeping him strong. please, give him strength. you are his other half. i hate to see him like this. and i know your mom and dad aren't taking it well either. as well as the rest of your family. just kno im still here thinking about you. i'll never forget you. i wont let anyone else forget you either. oh yeah, by the way, reese really misses you too. he was looking forward to seeing you this summer. just like the rest of us were.
puede su resto del alma pacÃfico ahora y para toda la eternidad. te quiero por siempre hermano mayor. nunca le olvidaré.
"may your soul rest peacefully now and for all eternity. i love you forever big brother. i will never forget you."
with all my love:
allie
Posted by: allie carrillo | June 20, 2008 at 01:14 PM
Currently I'm listening to Donny Hataway, " You Got A Friend", the live version, ask him to sing for you, for you will be miss here on earth.
Posted by: Hosea | June 21, 2008 at 06:31 AM
i am so sorry for the loss of this beautiful young man's life gosh my boy was 18yrs old and he was murdered 10-2-06 3 days before his 19th birthday when will it stop our kids deserve to live their lives with out fear of being gunned down like this for no reason i pray this stuff stops soon no other mother should have to bury their child god bless and peace to you and your family
Posted by: a mother who knows the pain | June 21, 2008 at 02:21 PM
He wasn't even a GANGBANGER!
Posted by: J | June 21, 2008 at 03:44 PM
Another young man with a bright future ahead of him lost forever. While the terrorist cowards in gangs go on to hurt more families everyday. It is just sooo sad and unfair. My sincerest condolences go out to all of Chris's family and friends.
Posted by: torrance mom | June 23, 2008 at 10:09 AM
I agree with the comment earlier... When will this end, our young men dying before 20 and 30 years of age. It's absolutely sad. How can you have the heart to open fire on someone for something as simple as minding their own business. I pray that God has mercy on the soul of the one who did this. Read this blog if you dont mind by a man named Najee Ali. It was very interesting. It's about another young man killed to gang violence on the streets of LA.
http://urbanthoughtcollective.com/2008/06/23/najee-ali-secret-life-of-jamiel-shaw/
Posted by: Trevor S | June 25, 2008 at 03:31 PM
I'm so tired of innocent, young victims being murdered for absolutely no reason! I have a 19 year old son and I keep him updated on these tragedies. I also keep him prayed up whenever he leaves the house. I ask God to cover him in his blood and protect him from the devil's imps in the streets. Mothers! Please pray with, for and over your sons, especially when they go out. I don't allow my son to stand out front or hang on the streets at home. It's too dangerous. Once, my son was in front of our home; he and his girlfriend has just gotten dropped off. THANK GOD I was outside. A car with 3 thugs drove up, kept the motor running and confronted my son. They tried to provoke him so they could kill him. I ran and got in the face of the perpetrator while his hinchmen remained in their vehicle...doors open and motor running so they could kill my son, jump in the car and speed away. I yelled to him, "I'm tired of young people killing one another! Go home! Get in your car and go home! I love my son and I love you too....God loves you....just go away!" You know what? they silently drove away. There was no way my son could have convinced them to leave; it was by the Grace of God that I was outside to stop it. May God bestow his mighty BLESSINGS on Chris' family. Chris is with God. Would any mothers like to join me in a crusade to walk the gang-infested neighborhoods to make a plea against the violence and to encircle any group of gang members we encounter....to pray out loud over them and for them? Don't be afraid to join me; we will prevail as God protected Daniel in the lion's den.
Posted by: Regina Hamilton | June 27, 2008 at 09:01 AM
The murder of this nice looking young man is just beyond tragic. The shooter probably went to McDonalds or something like nothing happened. How can he live with himself after doing such a horrible thing. These senseless shootings just go on and on without any end in sight.
Posted by: Derrick | June 30, 2008 at 03:53 PM
Hello My Son,
I Love and miss you so much,I still wait for your ringtone ..I wait for your handsom face walk into my room with a beautiful smile,turn and stare at me,smile and say""what are you velvet,,I would tell you to take a picture it would last longer..Dam Son I know you're in a better place ,I know your'e in your Eternal Life,I know you got to see the light...It's killing me son not to have you with me here ... You made me a promise one day..You promised me that you'd be the only man to never leave me"""Well promised kept..I know your by myside ,I know my Gaurdian Angel is watching over me..I Know My Son Chris will never Leave me""HE PROMISED""
DAM I miss you Baby ..I CRY and CRY...but God will give me strength and I'll be okay knowing ""Now your safe,Your with God Chilling"as you would say''
I will see you again
Love Mom
Posted by: Angel | July 04, 2008 at 06:08 PM
In reading the reaction of your ways inhandling your son Christopher is the same way I did when I lost me son Christopher 5 yrs to the date tomorrow. I too did notmove him and i too when out and hit my truck, but I too know the pain, strengthen and peace the Lord gives at each moment of the aching pain of missing Christopher...I send you my prayer, love and truly understanding in the coming weeks, moths, yrs, if at anytime you need a listening ear I'm here, for Christ is leading and guiding me and through me to you/for you..... my email is silkybo2@yahoo.com, my # 213 804 8478.... Continue to trust in our Lord and Saviour i promise you His words I'll never leave you nor forskae you is true. God bless you....My sons name is (Louis) Christopher Jacobs killed 7/6/3 48/western ,and yes he was a loving special saved youngman, straight A, athlete, student body prse, but most of all loved everyone.
Posted by: Mz Silky | July 05, 2008 at 10:59 AM
happy birthday chris! wish i could celebrate with you, i know i cant, but one of these years i will. the baby is due any day now. i thought it'd be cool if she came out today, on your birthday, but i dont think she will. the dr said she's going to induce me on sunday at 8pm if Sy'Rai dont come before then. hopefully i'll get lucky n she'll come super soon. im not sure what everybody is doing for your birthday, but i kno nobody forgot it. well big broda, i miss you and i love you. just wanted to say happy birthday. i usually tell you to stay safe at the end of all my messages to you but i dont think you could be any more safe than you are now. i will keep you updated on everything going on over here on this end. although im sure you already see everything. i gotta go now. gotta prepare myself and my house for the birth of my baby girl here soon. i love you. i wish i'd be able to hear back from you, i kno i wont, but i kno if i could hear you, you'd tell me you love me too and for me to be safe. so i will. talk to you later big brother.
my love always
ya lil sissy
allie
Posted by: allie carrillo | July 09, 2008 at 12:47 PM
I just found out about Chris death and I am shocked and saddened. My condolences to the family.
Posted by: eric beasley | July 09, 2008 at 07:06 PM
I REMEMBER WHEN I FIRST MET CHRIS I WAS 16 AT THE TIME HIS MOTHER ANGEL TAYLOR IS MY MOM'S BEST FRIEND...I USE TO LOOK AT HER PICTURES AND SAY DAMN ANGEL YOU HAVE SOME HANDSOME SONS...SHE WILL ALWAYS SAY YOU WANT ME TO HOOK YOU UP WITH CHRIS.LOL THEN ONE SUMMER ALL 3 OF HER SONS CHRIS, TERRELL,AND ANDREW CAME DOWN..ANGEL CALLED MY HOUSE AND SAID YOUR MAN IS HERE....WHEN I SEEN CHRIS IN PERSON I WAS IN AWE LIKE OMG HE IS FINE....THAT SUMMER ME AND CHRIS USE TO HANGOUT IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE OR HIS. I REMEMBER WHEN WE USE TO LAUGH AT OUR MOM'S TRYING TO HOOK US UP.LOL BUT ME AND CHRIS BUILT US A FRIENDSHIP...THERE WERE TIMES WHEN I'LL BE OVER ANGEL'S HOUSE AND SHE'LL BE ON THE PHONE WITH CHRIS AND HE'LL ASK TO TALK TO ME AND WE'LL JUST BE ON THE PHONE CATCHING UP SEEING WHO GOTTA GIRLFRIEND OR BOYFRIEND OR ABOUT HOW OUR MOM'S CLUBBING FIASCALS WENT TALKING ABOUT HOW THEY NEED TO RETIRE THEIR DAYS..LOL DAMN CHRIS I MISS YOU....BUT GOD HAS CALLED UPON HIS ANGEL FOR HIS DUTY AND THATS BEING THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ANGEL THAT GOD CAN SEND US....LOVE YOU.
Posted by: TIFFANY CHARLES | July 17, 2008 at 01:05 PM
hey chris
i still cant believe and dont want to believe this happened to you. The hardest thing for me was to see your favirote kuzzo break down at your funeral, i know you and jah were super close, thats how i met you. I pray that god will bring justice to whoever did this to you, i pray for your family, i couldnt imagine how they feel. you were loved by so many people. i will never forget that big cool aid smile you had lol may your soul rest in peace, save me and jah a spot up there
Posted by: sakeetra | July 29, 2008 at 12:01 PM
Hello My sun....
I Miss You...
Well Sun you know your book is almost done...I found your poems ,yes I went through your stuff" I'm Sorry but I gave them to Mrs.Blanchett so she can help me and she is..She's writting a book about you and your poems..
I know now you were going through a rough time in your life and I found your letter to me ""Yeah you know me I Cried and Cried...I Miss You Sun....
Okay well the book is getting edited you know the title is Pain in the Mind..something like that...your picture is in the back of the book but you know all this...I hope the book helps another kid like yu My Sun..
Meaning dealing with things in life similar to you..
I hope someone just one child is able to open up..
''' BABY MY BABY BOY YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN'''...I'm trying to help Ashley get through this tragedy but you know that already...I'm trying My Baby...
Well Sun I'll be writting soon again...I have to write a dedication page to you for your book ..I hope I make you Happy with it because it's what I miss most...and I wish I was writting the book because then with what I'm thinking and what I'm feeling I'd write my own book about you...Well if the world is wondering and saying to themselves '''She spelled Sun wrong...No I didn't I spell it that way because Chris is My Sun..as in SunShine....
But He knew that....
Love Mommy
Posted by: Angel | September 10, 2008 at 01:06 AM
hey chirs its almost been a year since you past a way love you miss you so much wish i could of seen you before alll dat happened you was suppose to cum to l-town you well allways be in my heart i will never forget you much love
-keshia
Posted by: keshia | June 11, 2009 at 04:57 PM
dear chris,
i remebered the day you got shot. i remembered the day i received the call that you didnt make it. i even remebered the day you were buried. that was the day my nana died. on my way to the services for you, my mom came to my house and told me all about it. my heart broke even more. and now, just 2 days from today, i get to remember the day you were born; brought into this world. i bet there was so much joy and happiness upon your arrival. what i dont get is, why are we so happy when another life is brought down to earth and taken from god? and why are we so sad when the ones we love are given back to god? to be happy? i dont get it. and im sure i never will. but i miss you. and i still think of you all the time. its bad when someone mourns so much over someone they've only known for just a few short years rather than the people they've known their whle lives. sad, but its my situation. i honestly think about you and speak out loud to you more than anyone of my other loved ones that i have lost. i feel kind of lost without your guidance. but, since, im at work, i guess i should be going. i just wanted to remind you that im thinking of you and that i miss you and i love you. by the way, i havent seen you in my dreams lately... why did you leave? i miss your presence. i'll be writing you again soon. i love you.
love always
your lil sis
allie
Posted by: allie carrillo | July 07, 2009 at 10:58 AM
Hello my Son,,I haven't written in my journal since your birthday last year.I remember while I was writting to you I cried and and cried like I never did before..Happy 21st birthday.Tyrone & Antoine came over for your day we sang Happy Birthday to you,,I want to start writting again but to pick up in my journal is hard for me..Well Mrs.Blanchette did a wonderful job in publishing your Poetry the Book is Beautiful""Inside The Mind of Pain"" well my Baby 1 yr.has gone by and your Remeberance Gathering was beautiful.I Love and Miss you Baby,Love Mommy
Posted by: Angel Taylor | July 14, 2009 at 01:38 AM
Mrs. Taylor,
I am very sorry for your loss. I cannot even begin to comprehend the inmesurable pain you go through on a daily basis. I am very glad you decided to publish your son's poetry. Like you said, maybe it will help a kid, like your son. I have been looking to read the book since I read your initial post, but have still not found it. I am still searching for a copy. If you can point me in the right direction, I will be very thankful. You can email me @ leydi_132002@yahoo.com. May your son rest in peace, he is the presence of our Lord watching over you, and will be with you wherever you go. Good luck to you, and God Bless.
Posted by: unknown | July 16, 2009 at 06:10 PM