Los Angeles City Council Renews $50,000 Reward on Two Year Anniversary of the Unsolved Murder of Beloved LADWP Employee NR22218dm

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles City Council renewed, for the second time, the $50,000 reward motion for the unsolved murder of Akeem “AJ” Coburn, a beloved LADWP electrical worker, father, partner, and proud IBEW member. Violent crime ended Mr. Coburn’s life two years ago today, way too early for a young man who had so much promise. This reward renewal calls for anyone with information about this horrific crime to come forward.

“Akeem was a gentle giant and was loved by everyone he met,” said Brandie N. Harris, Mr. Coburn’s fiancée. “He was a son, father, soon-to-be husband and friend. His life mattered and he is truly missed by all his family and friends. While the capture of his killer won’t bring him back, justice still needs to be served! He deserves that and so do we.”

On July 29th, 2020, shortly after 10:00 p.m., a person approached and shot Mr. Coburn while he was standing in a driveway. The shooting occurred near the intersection of South Vermont Avenue and 135th Street in the Harbor Gateway neighborhood of Los Angeles, adjacent to the 110 freeway, near Gardena. Police believe a dark-colored sedan was involved.

“AJ was a part of our city family and his death leaves a hole that can never be filled,” said Councilmember Buscaino. “If you have any information, we are begging you to please come forward, even anonymously, to help us solve this horrific and tragic crime. Two years later, I have not lost hope that we can find justice for AJ and his family.”

A $50,000 reward for information is being offered for information that leads to a conviction in this case.

“To the community, we ask for your assistance in helping us identify the person or persons responsible for Akeem’s murder,” said LAPD Captain Adrian Gonzalez. “July 29th, 2022 will mark two years since his passing and we believe someone knows something that can help us solve this case. Akeem and his family deserve justice.”

Photos and videos of Akeem can be found in this folder. Photos and videos courtesy of Akeem Coburn’s fiancée. A website with more information about Akeem can also be found at www.JusticeForAJ.net.

If you have any information, please contact Detective R. Fontes and Officer J. Kincaid, South Bureau Homicide, at (323) 786-5111. 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 the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.