Sigmund Thomas Chornes, a 37-year-old man from Los Angeles, California, was tragically shot and killed on February 2, 2014. The incident occurred in the Baldwin Hills-Crenshaw area, specifically in the 4000 block of Abourne Road. Chornes had been spending time at a relative's home, having just watched the Super Bowl. He decided to spend the night and went outside to his car to retrieve a blanket around 9:45 p.m.
At this moment, a light-colored SUV approached, and one of the occupants got out and asked Chornes where he was from. When Chornes responded that he wasn't affiliated with any gang, the individual shot him multiple times before fleeing the scene. Chornes was pronounced dead at 9:48 p.m., with an autopsy confirming that he died from multiple gunshot wounds.
Chornes was known for his passion for music, particularly rap, and often wrote about the perils of gang violence, drawing inspiration from artists like Nas, 2-Pac, and The Notorious B.I.G. Despite his artistic focus on such themes, Chornes was not involved in gang activities. He was described by family and friends as a compassionate individual who worked as an in-home caregiver and was deeply committed to his music career, working on a full-length album at the time of his death. His untimely demise was a shock to his large family and community, who gathered for a vigil to honor his memory.
The investigation into Chornes' murder was handled by the LAPD Criminal Gang Homicide Division. Despite the efforts of law enforcement, including appeals for information from the public, no arrests have been reported in connection with his death. The case remains unsolved, with the perpetrators still at large. The police have urged anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community assistance in solving such crimes. The lack of resolution has left Chornes' family and friends seeking justice and closure for the senseless act of violence that claimed his life.
