James Conwall Daniels Jr., a 51-year-old man from Los Angeles, California, died on March 18, 2015, five days after being shot in a brazen attack. On the evening of March 13, 2015, Daniels was sitting in a minivan on East 102nd Street in Watts, talking to a 24-year-old woman and a 35-year-old man, when an assailant approached and opened fire. All three individuals were struck by the gunfire. Daniels was transported to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on March 18 at 11:20 p.m.
The other two victims survived the attack.
The shooting took place in the Jordan Downs housing development, a neighborhood that had seen a significant reduction in violence in recent years. Daniels' death marked the first homicide in the area in nearly four years, causing alarm among residents who had grown accustomed to the relative peace. The incident has strained the community's relationship with the police, as residents questioned why officers, who were reportedly in the area at the time, were unable to prevent the shooting.
James Conwall Daniels Jr. was well-known in the community, having worked as a custodian and participated in local vocational programs. He was considered a success story and often shared his experiences to inspire others. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and investigators have been seeking witnesses to provide more information. Surveillance footage from the area is being reviewed, but no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified.
The Los Angeles Police Department's Criminal Gang Homicide Division is handling the investigation. They have urged anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in solving the case. Despite the ongoing investigation, the lack of immediate leads has left the community on edge, with residents expressing concerns about their safety and the potential for further violence.
