Dominic Ladon Gooden, a 42-year-old Black man, was tragically shot and killed on July 28, 2020, in the Vermont-Slauson neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. According to the Los Angeles County coroner's records, the incident occurred in the 1300 block of West 69th Street. At approximately 2:40 p.m., officers from the Los Angeles Police Department’s 77th Division responded to a call reporting a shooting in the area.
Upon arrival, they found Gooden lying on the ground next to a black Dodge Challenger. He was immediately transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The investigation revealed that Gooden was standing in the street, conversing with at least one other individual when a light-colored sedan approached. Two individuals exited the vehicle and opened fire on Gooden, causing him to collapse in the street. The assailants then fled the scene in the same sedan. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and the case has been under active investigation by the LAPD. Detectives have urged anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community assistance in solving the case.
Despite the efforts of law enforcement, no arrests have been made in connection with Gooden's murder. The investigation has faced challenges, including a lack of eyewitnesses willing to provide detailed accounts and the difficulty in tracing the suspects' vehicle. The LAPD has continued to appeal to the public for any leads that could help identify the perpetrators. Crime Stoppers has also been involved, offering anonymity to those who wish to provide information without revealing their identities.
The case of Dominic Ladon Gooden highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in Los Angeles and the challenges faced by law enforcement in solving such crimes. The community's cooperation remains crucial in bringing justice to Gooden and his family. As of now, the investigation remains open, with detectives diligently working to uncover new evidence and leads that could potentially solve the case.
