Ontario Jermaine Courtney, a 40-year-old man, tragically lost his life on September 13, 2017, in the Broadway-Manchester area of South Los Angeles. According to reports, Courtney was sitting in a burgundy SUV with two other individuals around 4:30 a.m. when another vehicle approached. Someone inside the approaching car opened fire, striking Courtney multiple times. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers, who were nearby, heard the gunshots and immediately pursued the suspect vehicle.
The chase ended when the suspect vehicle crashed near West 67th Street and South Broadway. Five individuals, including two minors, were taken into custody following the incident. One of the juveniles accidentally shot himself during the attack and was hospitalized but expected to survive. Courtney was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 9:08 a.m.
The investigation into Courtney's death led to significant developments. On September 15, 2017, three adults were charged in connection with the murder. Timothy Love, a 19-year-old man; Dasha Delaina Goldston, a 21-year-old woman; and Jeremiah Atlas, a 19-year-old man, faced charges of one count of murder, two counts of attempted murder, and one count of shooting at an occupied vehicle. The charges included allegations that the crimes were committed on behalf of or in connection with a criminal street gang. Additionally, the defendants faced allegations of handgun use during the commission of the crimes. The case was set to proceed in court, with the defendants due to appear on October 3, 2017.
The tragic incident and subsequent arrests highlight the ongoing issues of gang-related violence in Los Angeles. The LAPD continued to investigate the case, seeking additional information from the public to aid in their efforts. The community was encouraged to come forward with any information that could assist in bringing justice for Ontario Jermaine Courtney and his family. The case remains a stark reminder of the impact of gang violence on individuals and communities, and the importance of continued efforts to address and prevent such crimes.
