The facts don't prove it, but many say race does matter when it comes to homicide

Has racial hatred between African Americans and Latinos played a role in this year's rise in Los Angeles killings? Absolutely not, LAPD officials said earlier this week as they cited an analysis and statistics of the more than 90 people who have been slain so far this year. As has long been the case, the vast majority of homicide victims were likely to have been killed by someone of their own race or ethnic group, according to the survey (read to the end for the stats).

The statistics and statements by Police Chief William J. Bratton have not swayed many African American leaders and residents. Betty Pleasant, who writes the Soulvine Column for the Wave papers, echoed the feelings of many who say their concerns are being ignored as Bratton and others downplay the role of race in the killings of blacks.

I’m certain that he’s sitting up in Parker Center earnestly believing I am inflaming a situation that could make his job of keeping the peace that much harder. I can’t help that. It is what it is regardless of what he says it is. I’m not "taking on the chief," I’m taking on what the chief said, if that makes any sense.

-- Jesus Sanchez

Photo: Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times

In homicides this year for which the LAPD has information about the suspect, the vast majority of Latinos and blacks were killed by assailants allegedly from their own racial/ethnic group.

Homicide cases by race/ethnicity of suspected killers

Latino victims

Latino suspects: 87%

Black suspects: 13%

Black victims

Black suspects: 65%

Latino suspects: 35%

Note: Through March 16. The few cases in which a suspect is of a racial/ethnic group other than black or Latino, or no description of a suspect is available, are not included in these statistics.

Source: Los Angeles Police Department

Comments

[Bob]

Interesting that of all the murders in Los Angeles, no black or Latino victim was killed by a white person. Minority activists like Obama's racist pastor need to check their facts when they ponder what ails their communities.

[anonymous]

Here's the thing of all this racial tension hype...The blacks try to play an innocent role by maintaining they are not gang members. I know from past experiences that the black atheletes hide their gang ties behind the sport they play. What I mean is you have these kids looking good to their parents and school officials, but in fact they do claim a gang. I am not saying in this case that is what happened. I am just bringing it to attention cause it needs to be

Their have been numerous black on latino shootings in the West San Fernando Valley which have gone un-reported by the media. But as soon as a latino on black shooting happens the media jumps all over it. Fact of the matter is, thie media and police play a big role and by only reporting one side by doing that, it is just going to cause more violence in our communities. I guess they can both say they have job security!