Paul Edward "PJ" Foster, a 50-year-old man from Hawthorne, California, tragically lost his life on June 28, 2019. Foster was a well-known barber who had worked at the En Effect Barber Shop for over a decade. On the morning of his death, he was standing outside his workplace, enjoying a bowl of cereal, when a silver-colored sedan pulled into the parking lot. Two men wearing dark-colored ski masks exited the vehicle and began firing at Foster, striking him multiple times.
The assailants then fled the scene, heading west on Rosecrans Avenue. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Foster was pronounced dead at 12:42 p.m. The cause of death was determined to be multiple gunshot wounds.
The incident also resulted in injuries to a customer who was standing near Foster at the time of the shooting. The customer sustained a gunshot wound to the left shoulder but survived the attack. The shooters did not speak before opening fire, and the motive for the shooting remains unknown. Foster's death left a significant impact on his community, as he was a father of two and a beloved figure at the barbershop.
The investigation into Foster's murder has been ongoing, with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department leading the efforts. Despite the passage of time, no arrests have been made, and the identities of the suspects remain unknown. The authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward, offering anonymity through Crime Stoppers. The lack of a clear motive and the use of ski masks by the perpetrators have made the case particularly challenging for investigators.
Foster's family and friends have been vocal in their quest for justice, organizing fundraisers and community events to keep his memory alive and to support the investigation. The case has drawn attention to the broader issue of gun violence in the area, prompting calls for increased community engagement and support for law enforcement efforts. The tragic loss of Paul "PJ" Foster continues to resonate with those who knew him, as they hope for a breakthrough in the case that will bring the perpetrators to justice.
