'We need your help'

Community leaders held a news conference Tuesday, Aug. 11, at Imperial Highway and Western Avenue  in response to a spate of shootings in the Athens-Westmont area.

On Sunday night, Aug. 10, four Latino men were shot at the intersection. One died at the scene, two others a nearby hospital. At least two of the men were brothers.

The next day, 17-year-old Eric Sims, a black youth, was riding his bicycle when he was shot to death in the area. Authorities said the shootings were unrelated.

"We are here because three young men forfeited their lives to this madness Sunday night," said Lita Herron of the Youth Advocacy Coalition and the Cease Fire Committee, an anti-violence support group. "We come to find out this morning that a 17-year-old was killed last night. We've had enough, we've had more than enough."

Herron and civil rights leaders called on elected officials to start speaking out against the shootings and to create more evening youth programs. Herron also called on youths, who often are the perpetrators and victims of homicides, to help end gun violence.

"We need your help," she said. "You know who the shooters are among you. You know this element. It's time to shun it. It's time to shun the behavior that killed your friends. It's time to shun the behavior that killed your family members. It's time to shun the behavior that killed your classmates."

Shortly after the news conference, community leaders gave a final prayer. "Guns down," said Eddie Jones of the Los Angeles Civil Rights Assn. "We pray for the guns to be put down."

—Ruben Vives / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Mother T.]

I join you in that prayer. "Guns down. It's time to end the madness."

Amen

[Precious]

This is so SAD, and SICK may the killings stop and when is it going to stop. We are losing our Youth to Violent Crimes that shouldn't BE, take time to think are we hurting the Victims or are we hurting the Friends and Family. Those that are miserable don't think to take a strangers life take your own and that will end all of your MISERY. Young Man R.I.P (too young to die). May The Lord Bless your Journey, and may he Bless Your Family. Your Savior will take care of Everything.....

With Love,

[Southoc]

It won't work until you change the culture and take responsibility for your children and your communities. You are your brother's keeper.

[HOTEP]

I READ THESE BLOGS ALL THE TIMES ITS ALWAYS THE SAME AREAS GOOD PEOPLE WHO LIVE THERE MOVE AWAY ASAP,YOUR NEIGHBORHOODS ARE KILLING FIELDS PLEASE WAKE UP

[VG]

Good luck in stopping the violence. How many times has it been asked and ignored? Far too long.
We can only do what we can to reach out to others and hope they can understand the damage one stupid act can cause.

[George Rubio]

I advise people to go to the police and report all violent criminals; do it anonymously if you fear the police or if you fear retaliation. Shooters and bangers are destroying the community and terrorizing innocents. Violent people need to be locked up.