Three Gang Related Murders Occur During a 30-Hour Period

Los Angeles: On Sunday, January 27, 2008, at around 1:00 p.m., 22-year-old Maurio Proctor was standing inside the Jordan Downs Public Housing Development on 101st Street with a friend. An unknown type vehicle drove by and an occupant inside began shooting towards Proctor and his friend. Proctor was struck by the gunfire and collapsed onto the sidewalk.

Proctor was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead as a result of his gunshot wounds. His friend suffered a gunshot wound to his hand. There was no suspect(s) or vehicle description, nor have any witnesses come forward with information. The motive for the shooting appears to be gang related.

Early the next morning on January 28, 2008, at around 8:45 a.m., 19-year-old Van Knott was standing on the 700 block of East 97th Street with a friend when an unknown vehicle drove by and one of the occupants opened fire on the pair. Knott was struck several times in the chest. Knott was taken to an area hospital where he died a short time later. His friend was not injured. The motive for the shooting was gang related.

Later in the evening, at 9:30 p.m., an unknown number of suspects approached a clothing store at 9902 South Broadway. The suspects began firing into the store, striking three persons. One of the persons shot was 35-year-old Chontel Johnson, the store owner. He was mortally wounded. The other two persons in the store were taken to local hospitals where they remain in stable condition as a result of their injuries.

Detectives believe the shootings may be related to a recent on-going gang conflict.

No witnesses have come forward on any of the three shootings. Detectives are seeking the public’s assistance in solving these crimes.

Anyone with information is asked to call South Bureau Homicide Detective Sal LaBarbera at 213-485-4341. During off-hours or on weekends, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).