On the evening of September 1, 2023, at approximately 10:19 p.m., deputies from the Compton Sheriff's Station responded to reports of a shooting on the 1200 block of South Whitemarsh Street, west of Wilmington Avenue, in Compton, California. Upon arrival, they discovered 59-year-old Kevin Celestine suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to his upper torso. Despite prompt medical attention, Celestine was pronounced dead at the scene at 10:45 p.m.
Investigations revealed that the fatal incident stemmed from an argument between Celestine and an unidentified male suspect. During the confrontation, the suspect produced a handgun and shot Celestine multiple times before fleeing the scene northbound on Whitemarsh Street in a vehicle. Authorities have not provided a description of the suspect or the vehicle involved.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with Celestine's death. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau continues to investigate the case and has urged anyone with information to come forward by contacting them at (323) 890-5500. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or through their website at lacrimestoppers.org.
In the course of the investigation, it was noted that Celestine had prior encounters with law enforcement. In October 2015, he was arrested in Los Angeles County for possession of a controlled substance for sale. Additionally, in June 2011, he was arrested for a felony parole violation. However, it remains unclear if these past incidents are related to the circumstances leading to his death.
The community remains on alert as the search for the suspect continues. Authorities are diligently working to piece together the events that led to this tragic incident, seeking justice for Celestine and his family. Public cooperation is deemed crucial in apprehending the individual responsible for this homicide.
