Coroner: Jazz pianist died from blunt force trauma in Swedish hip hop artist assault case

A jazz pianist who was killed in what police say was an episode of road rage in a Hollywood crosswalk died from “blunt trauma”, according to the coroner’s office.

A Swedish hip-hop artist is facing assault and battery charges in the Nov. 23 death of John Osnes, 55. The Los Angeles County district attorney’s office has said David Jassy, a 34-year-old rapper and songwriter, could face additional charges depending on the results of the autopsy and further investigation. Arraignment for Jassy is set for Wednesday.

Authorities say Osnes was crossing the intersection of Selma Avenue and Schrader Boulevard on foot after midnight when a rented SUV driven by Jassy edged into the crosswalk. After Osnes struck the front of the vehicle with his hands, authorities say, Jassy leapt from his vehicle, punched Osnes and then kicked him in the head when he bent to retrieve his glasses. Witnesses tried to detain Jassy, but he got back in the car and fled, driving over Osnes’ body as he went, authorities say.

--Harriet Ryan

Comments

[T]

This is ridiculous. It was a rented SUV for christ sakes. For two, the guy's tiny brain couldn't process the fact that A) He got out of the car to confront the stranger B) He punched him C) He kicked him D) He ran him over E) He drove to hide in his apartment.

All the equals the death penalty in my book. He can rap 99 bottles of beer on the wall from prison.

[Pang65]

Good for you Mia.

I lived in Sweden for many years. I even worked with David. I am sad to hear about this tragic situation.

But Jun's comment is so typical. If you're being honored, you're a swede. If you end up in a sitution like David's, some will connect you to any other country... Hang you out to dry. It's quite sad.

David's a swede. And he is not the only swede that has found himself in a situation like this. I saw many tragedies such as this while living there.

Sweden's just like any other place.

Jun, there's crime everywhere. Even among your fellow swedes.

[Mia]

@Jun: He was raised in Sweden. Calling him Swedish is not misleading. Calling him Gambian or Estonian, however, is, since it's likely that he's never even been to either country. Or are you suggesting that violent behaviour is genetic?

[uhh]

Elena, I'm relatively sure he was being sarcastic, so chill out.

[Elena from Sweden]

Vic, you wrote "Those heartless Swedes".

Do you think we should judge all US citizens based on the actions of Ted Bundy? Or Charles Manson? Or maybe your ex-president Bush jr?

Or the soldiers in Abu Ghraib?

Think about this and you'll realize how stupid your comment is.

[John A. Bailo]

A two ton vehicle represents a deadly weapon.

If a pedestrian is threatened in any way by a person wielding the weapon, he has a right to self-defense, or at least kicking the vehicle to alert the driver.

[Jun]

Jassy is not Swedish -- not ethnically speaking. He may be a citizen of Sweden, yes, but he is ethnically Gambian and Estonian. Describing him as Swedish is seriously misleading.

[ryan silva]

Crosswalks should always have traffic lights as well. Simple white lines drawn on the street do not properly warn drivers of pedestrian crossings. Hopefully one day this will be law.

[Clint Ruin]

Hmmm???? Did LA do this to the normally pleasant, educated and mild mannered Swedes or are they really more like us?

[Dan]

Is this not the most ironic story you've ever seen? "Jazz pianist killed by Swedish rapper in road rage incident." It's as thick as peanut butter. Rest his poor soul.

[former suv driver]

I never understood why douchebag pedestrians would hit my poor Explorer whenever I came within an inch of the intersection. sorry, but sometimes i just can't always make a perfect stop now can I?? I'd try to back up whenever i could. doesn't give you guys the right to hit my car. sheesh. I'm just grateful now that i drive a small car!

[jeffrey]

John was a kind, sweet man. Anyone who could kill a defenseless person so coldly does NOT deserve to walk among us. Jassy MUST be charged with vehicular manslaughter. Let the jury decide his fate from there.

[Stephen]

Re: Anony

I'd like to remind you that this was perpetrated by a tourist. However, that's beside the point. LA is a great diverse city. I'm sorry if you're having a bad experience here, but I think if you visit the sights and experience all the rich ethnic cultures in the city you'd be surprised at how friendly and welcoming the city can be.

[Vic]

Those heartless Swedes!

[jparker]

Too bad this isn't Texas where the rapper would be tried and fried, exactly what he deserves.

[hms]

An eye for an eye....

[JC]

The thug needs to be put away for life.

[WhatDoYaKnow]

Anony,
I recommend you move to Sweden. That's were all the good, decent folks come from.

[anthony]

what a horrible crime. its very sad how our society is full of rage and just touching someones hood could cause this criminal to jump out and attack you. i guess that when you feel that your better then everyone else you feel that you can do what ever you want..................good job david jessy........ look forward to reading how many years you will spend in jail for killing another person.

[ben]

Anony,

The perputrator was not an Angeleno, victim and those who tried to detain the culprit and help the victim were. What's that tell you about this "Hellhole"

[smoke]

Sense of entitlement, racism, and other darkness + 3,500 lb steel weapon with wheels = death penalty. How bout some swedish meatballs via electric chair? anyone?

[Anony]

This is heartless and another reason why myself and alot of my friends are contemplating leaving this H_LL Hole we all call LA