Cedric Tavan Horne, a 24-year-old man from Los Angeles, was tragically killed on October 30, 2015. Horne was working as a landscaper in the Vermont-Slauson neighborhood when he was fatally shot. The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. in the 900 block of West 68th Street. According to reports, a black pickup truck drove by, and a person inside opened fire. The shooter then exited the vehicle, continued firing, and subsequently got back into the truck before fleeing the scene.
Horne, who was not affiliated with any gangs, was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead at 8:04 p.m.
The investigation into Horne's death revealed that he was mistakenly targeted. Detectives, utilizing witness statements and surveillance footage, identified Weldon Bedford, a 39-year-old man, as the suspect. Bedford was arrested on November 7, 2016, at his home and charged with one count of murder. The authorities believe that Horne was mistaken for a rival gang member, which led to the fatal shooting. Bedford's connection to the crime was established through the black pickup truck and corroborating witness accounts.
Following Bedford's arrest, he was charged and awaited trial. The case highlighted the tragic consequences of mistaken identity and the pervasive issue of gang violence in certain areas of Los Angeles. Horne's family and friends held a vigil in his honor, mourning the loss of a young man whose life was cut short by senseless violence. The community's response underscored the need for continued efforts to address and reduce gang-related violence in the city.
