On April 15, 2023, 63-year-old Feliciano Velez was fatally shot near his home on Normandie Avenue in South Los Angeles. Velez, who was visually and hearing impaired due to diabetes, was reportedly unaware of the impending danger during the incident. His family believes that his disabilities may have prevented him from comprehending the assailant's intentions during the apparent robbery attempt.
The Los Angeles Police Department reported that the incident began around 4 p.m.
with an argument near the intersection of Normandie Avenue and 49th Street. After the shooting, the suspect attempted multiple carjackings in the vicinity but was unsuccessful. The assailant then proceeded south on Normandie Avenue, firing at another individual before being apprehended by responding officers.
Velez's daughter, Alma, expressed profound grief over the loss of her father, emphasizing the senselessness of his death. She noted that if her father had passed away due to health issues, the family might have found some solace, but the violent nature of his death was particularly painful. Alma hopes that the perpetrator reflects on the impact of his actions and that a conviction will eventually bring the family closure.
The suspect was arrested shortly after the shooting and booked by the police. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to piece together the events leading up to the tragic incident. Velez's family held a funeral service to honor his memory, seeking to remember the life he lived rather than the circumstances of his death.
