Delshon Eugene Hayes Jr., a 23-year-old man from Los Angeles, was tragically shot and killed on August 9, 2015. The incident occurred in the Manchester Square neighborhood, specifically in the 1700 block of West Florence Avenue. On that fateful day, around 12:45 p.m., Hayes was at a car wash with a 34-year-old acquaintance when an unidentified assailant approached and opened fire into the crowd.
Hayes was pronounced dead at the scene, while the 34-year-old man was injured but survived.
The investigation into Hayes' death revealed that he and the injured man knew each other, but it was unclear who the intended target of the shooting was. The gunman fled the scene in a four-door gray compact car, heading south on South Hobart Boulevard and then west on 74th Street. Despite the efforts of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and appeals for information from the public, no arrests have been made in connection with Hayes' murder.
The aftermath of the shooting left a profound impact on Hayes' family and friends. His aunt, Janice, expressed fear for her safety and chose not to disclose her last name. Hayes left behind a 5-year-old son and an unborn child, adding to the family's grief. His grandmother, Beverly Hayes, poignantly remarked on the loss, noting that the unborn child would never meet their father.
Thomas Wilson, the 34-year-old man who was with Hayes during the shooting, recounted the harrowing experience. He described the moment he was shot, feeling as if "the electricity stopped." Wilson, who had previously served nine years for manslaughter, struggled with the trauma and paranoia following the incident. He did not see the gunman's face, and the lack of arrests only heightened his anxiety. The shooting left Wilson with severe injuries, including a bullet wound that damaged his carotid artery and jaw.
The community's response to Hayes' death included a memorial at the car wash where the shooting occurred. Social media played a role in spreading awareness and reshaping conversations about violence in the area. Despite these efforts, the case remains unsolved, and the LAPD continues to seek information from the public to bring justice for Delshon Eugene Hayes Jr..
