Kevin Cleveland Jr., a 17-year-old teenager from Los Angeles, was tragically shot to death on April 4, 2017. The incident occurred near East 60th Street and South Vermont Avenue in the Vermont-Slauson neighborhood. Kevin was walking with a 15-year-old boy and a 17-year-old girl around 3:45 p.m. when another teenager approached them, inquired about their gang affiliation, and opened fire. Witnesses reported hearing approximately 10 gunshots at the strip mall where the shooting took place.
Kevin and his companions were rushed to the hospital, but Kevin was pronounced dead at 4:49 p.m. The other two teenagers survived their injuries.
The shooting happened near John Muir Middle School and Augustus Hawkins High School, causing significant concern as school had just let out, and many students were in the vicinity. Kevin's mother, Ladrena, recounted that she heard the gunfire and immediately went to find her son. Despite being wounded in the stomach and leg, Kevin was initially able to talk and even got up on the gurney, giving his mother hope that he would survive. Kevin, who had recently celebrated his 17th birthday, was not involved in gangs and enjoyed playing video games at home.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) described the suspect as a black male between the ages of 16 to 22, wearing jeans and a hooded sweatshirt. As of the latest reports, the gunman remains at large. The LAPD's Criminal Gang Homicide Division is handling the investigation, and they have urged anyone with information to come forward. Despite the efforts of law enforcement, no arrests have been made, and the case remains unsolved. Kevin's death highlights the ongoing issue of gang-related violence in Los Angeles and the devastating impact it has on families and communities.
