Steven Douglas Runnel, a 49-year-old barber and father of eight, was tragically shot and killed on July 7, 2020, in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. while Runnel was standing in front of a home on the 1800 block of East 105th Street, socializing with others. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, a dark-colored sedan approached and stopped a few houses down.
A person inside the vehicle began shooting in the direction of the group, striking Runnel and another man in his 20s. Runnel was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:20 p.m., while the other victim survived the attack.
Runnel's death deeply affected his community, particularly those who frequented his barbershop, known locally as "Steve's." Friends and clients remembered him as a dedicated barber who had been cutting hair in the neighborhood for decades. His longtime friend, Jeffrey Rencher, shared memories of their bond over sports and the Raiders, expressing his grief and uncertainty about finding another barber.
The investigation into Runnel's murder is ongoing. The Los Angeles Police Department has urged anyone with information to come forward, offering anonymity through Crime Stoppers. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the identity of the shooter remains unknown. The community continues to seek justice for Runnel, hoping that new leads will emerge to solve the case and bring closure to his family and friends.
