Julian Bynum, a 30-year-old man from Chicago, was tragically shot to death on December 16, 2022, in North Hollywood, California. The incident occurred late at night in the 6800 block of Simpson Avenue, just a few blocks from the LAPD's North Hollywood station. Bynum was found on the sidewalk, having suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the head. Despite the proximity to the police station, the assailant managed to flee the scene, leaving Bynum to succumb to his injuries before emergency services
could intervene.
Bynum's death was classified as a homicide, and the Los Angeles Police Department launched an investigation to identify and apprehend the perpetrator. Initial reports indicated that Bynum was visiting from Chicago at the time of the shooting. His past included a criminal record in Cook County, Illinois, where he had been arrested for possession of a stolen firearm in 2012. This background, however, did not provide immediate leads on his murder.
The investigation into Bynum's death took a significant turn when Dejean Thompkins, along with two other individuals, was charged with multiple counts of murder and attempted murder in connection with a separate incident in Beverly Crest. Thompkins was also implicated in Bynum's murder. According to the charges, Thompkins allegedly shot Bynum multiple times outside an apartment complex on Simpson Avenue. The case against Thompkins and his co-defendants was part of a broader investigation by the LAPD's Robbery-Homicide Division, which linked the suspects to a series of violent crimes in the area.
As of now, the legal proceedings against Thompkins and his associates are ongoing. The charges include special circumstance allegations of lying in wait and multiple murders, which could result in severe penalties if the defendants are convicted. The LAPD continues to seek additional information from the public to strengthen their case and ensure justice for Julian Bynum and other victims of the suspects' alleged crimes.
