LAPD Requests Your Assistance in Solving the Murder of Hosea Whitaker

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, May 11, 1999
PRESS CONFERENCE
Media Advisory

REWARD EXPIRED – CASE SOLVED – SUSPECT IN CUSTODY

On Wednesday, May 12, 1999, at 9:00 a.m., the Los Angeles Police Department will be holding a press conference at Fremont High School, 7676 South San Pedro Street, in Los Angeles regarding the murder of Hosea Whitaker.

On Wednesday, March 31, 1999, at approximately 10:45 p.m., victim Hosea Whitaker, 18 years old was walking home alone in the 8000 block of Wadsworth Avenue in the City of Los Angeles. Whitaker was in the process of returning to his residence when he was confronted by unknown suspect(s). For no apparent reason, Whitaker was forced into a prone position on the sidewalk and shot to death. The suspect or suspects were last seen on foot from the scene toward Central Avenue.

The motive for this senseless and brutal murder is unknown. Whitaker was a student and a star athlete at Fremont High School. Following the football season, Whitaker was finishing his senior year at Long Beach Poly High School. The administrators, teachers and friends at Fremont High School spoke nothing but positive things about Hosea Whitaker. He had received many letters from colleges and universities to attend school on a football scholarship.

The City of Los Angeles is offering a reward of $25,000 for information leading to the identity, arrest and prosecution of the person or persons responsible for the murder of Hosea Whitaker.

This investigation is assigned to Detective Russ Poole, LAPD South Bureau Homicide Division.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Poole at 213-237-1310.

For Release 10:10 am PST
May 11, 1999