Clifford Gordon Benton, a 66-year-old resident of Los Angeles, California, tragically lost his life on October 15, 2017. Benton was shot and killed in the 1700 block of West 77th Street in Manchester Square. The incident occurred around 11:20 a.m. while Benton and a group of men were playing dominoes. According to reports, two young men, believed to be in their late teens or early twenties, approached three nearby teenagers and yelled a gang slur.
The assailants then pulled out guns and began shooting at the teenagers, who fled the scene. Unfortunately, the gunmen turned their attention to Benton and another man, Warner Stern, who were attempting to hide from the gunfire. Both Benton and Stern were shot; Benton was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:40 a.m., while Stern succumbed to his injuries the following day at a hospital.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) launched an investigation into the shooting, suspecting that the gunmen were affiliated with a gang, although neither Benton nor the other victims were involved in gang activities. The shooters fled on foot, heading north on South St. Andrews Place. Despite efforts to gather information from the public, including anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers, the case remains unsolved. The LAPD continues to seek any leads that could help identify and apprehend the perpetrators responsible for this senseless act of violence.
The community was deeply affected by Benton's death, as he was known to be a peaceful individual with no ties to gang-related activities. The incident highlighted the ongoing issue of gang violence in the area and the need for increased efforts to address and prevent such tragedies. Benton's family and friends mourned his loss, remembering him as a kind and gentle person who was taken too soon. The investigation into his murder remains open, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward to help bring justice to Benton and his loved ones.
