Rewards Offered in Multiple Homicide Investigations

Press Conference Cancelled
Please Contact Media Relations for Further Information

WHAT:
Press Conference Requesting the Public’s Help in the Investigation of Eight Homicides

WHEN:
Thursday
April 3, 2003
3:00 p.m.

WHERE:
77th Street Police Station
7600 South Broadway
Los Angeles

WHO:
Councilmember Jan Perry 9th District, Deputy Chief Earl Paysinger, Commanding Officer Operation South Bureau, Captain James Bowers, Commanding Officer 77th Division and members of the victims families.

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department Detectives are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect(s) responsible for the following murders.

On Wednesday, September 19, 2001, Ms. Fonda Dempsey was reported missing from her residence located in the 2700 block of 74th Street. On Tuesday, September 25, 2001, Ms. Dempsey’s body was found in the trunk of her vehicle which was parked in the 14800 block of West Camarillo Street in Van Nuys.

On Thursday, January 2, 2002, at approximately 12:30 a.m., Mr. Farce Lott a 20 year-old, male was standing in a parking lot located in the 1800 block of 71st Street when two male Black suspects approached and shot him multiple times. The suspects were last seen leaving the location in a green, Ford Explorer with a third male Black suspect.

On Saturday, June 22, 2002, at approximately 10:30 p.m., Mr. Steven Gray and his companion were in the 9800 block of Haas Avenue when suspect(s) approached them and fired multiple shots. Gray died as a result of the gunshot wounds. Gray’s companion was shot and has recovered from his injuries.

On Wednesday, July 31, 2002, at approximately 11:30 a.m., Mr. Kenneth Sorrells was approached by suspect(s) on foot in the 600 block of Manchester Avenue. The suspects shot him multiple times. Sorrells died as a result of his injuries.

On Friday, November 1, 2002, at 12:35 a.m., Ms. Jessye Patterson a 72 year-old female was shot numerous times by an unidentified suspects(s) while standing in the vicinity of the 4600 block of South Vermont Avenue. On Friday, November 15, 2002 Ms. Patterson died as a result of her injuries.

On Wednesday November 28, 2001, at approximately 11:35 a.m., Mr. Travon Ford was walking with his friends in the 1000 Block of 58th Street when suspects in a dark colored vehicle drove up next to him and shot Mr. Ford.

On Sunday, July 15, 2001, at 10:00 a.m., Mr. John Anthony Williams was standing in front 1805 West 80th Street when an unidentified suspect(s) walked up to him. The suspect shot him multiple times and fled.

On Sunday, June 2, 2002, at approximately midnight Mr. Brian Wofford was driving his vehicle in the 8300 block of South San Pedro when suspect(s) in a 4-door silver 2001 Mitsubishi Galante fired multiple rounds at him. Wofford died as a results of his injuries.

The suspects responsible for these murders have not been identified and represent an on-going threat to the safety of the people of Los Angeles. The Los Angeles City Council is offering eight separate $25,000.00 rewards for the identification, apprehension and conviction of the persons responsible for these murders.

Anyone with information regarding these cases is requested to contact the 77th Street Area Homicide Detectives, at 213-485-1383. During off-hours and weekends, please call the 24-hour toll free number at the Department’s Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL. (1-877-529-3855).

This media advisory was prepared by Public Information Officer Grace Brady, Media Relations Section, 213 485-3586.