LAPD Seeks Public’s Help in Identifying Suspect(s) in Labor Day Weekend Murders NR142326jk

September 4, 2014

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect(s) responsible for the five homicides that took place over Labor Day weekend.  The investigation is ongoing and there are no indications that the five murders are connected.

On Sunday, August 31, 2014, around 2:45 a.m., Michael White, a 30-year-old male Black was in the 5400 block of south Western Avenue.  He was exiting his vehicle when he was approached by two male Black suspects.  One of the suspects fired multiple gunshots, striking him.  Both suspects then fled the scene on foot.

Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Paramedics responded and pronounced the victim dead at the scene.  It is unknown whether this incident is gang related.

On Monday, September 1, 2014, around 2:00 p.m., officers responded to a shooting at the Green Forest Car Wash located at 951 West Florence Avenue.  When they arrived, they saw Lamont Jones, a 33-year-old male Black and Mario King, a 26-year-old male Black, with gunshot wounds.  Witnesses said that Jones and King were involved in a heated verbal argument with several individuals who were in a dark SUV.  During the argument, a suspect armed himself with a handgun and shot the victims.  The shooter along with two other suspects then fled in the SUV.

LAFD responded and transported Mr. Jones and Mr. King to a local hospital where they succumbed to their injuries. This incident is not gang related.

On Monday, September 1, 2014, around 5:30 p.m., James Jay Smith, a 20-year-old male Black and a 17-year-old male juvenile were at the intersection of Adams Boulevard and Dalton Avenue.  The suspects approached the victims, fired multiple gunshots that struck both victims and fled the area.

LAFD responded and while in transit to a local hospital, Mr. Smith was pronounced dead.  The male juvenile was transported to a local hospital, and was listed in stable condition.

The suspects were described as two male Blacks in a light colored sedan. This incident is gang related.

On Monday, September 1, 2014, around 9:00 p.m., Brittany Burnett, a 25-year-old female Black and Darnell Paige, a 30-year-old male Black, were standing in the 3600 block of 9th Avenue.  A suspect exited a light color SUV, shot both victims and fled the scene.

LAFD responded and pronounced Ms. Burnett dead.  Mr. Paige was transported to a local hospital and was listed in stable, but critical condition.  This incident is believed to be gang related.

Anyone with information is urged to call Criminal Gang and Homicide Division Detectives at (213) 485-1383.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to
1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247).  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to www.lapdonline.org, and click on "Anonymous Web Tips.”