First 48 on Lassen

So its approximately 2:45 in the afternoon when we decide to go to 7 Kings (a liquor store on the corner of White Oak and Lassen in Northridge). Walk out of three-oh-five (apartment number) as usual, take the elevator down, and shockingly there were several people standing at the apartment entrance/exit. Instant reaction in my mind, “hmmm, the fuck is everyone doin out here all of a sudden?” So we walk out, and what do you know, “The First 48” on our door step.

None of this is being said to frighten or scare anyone, but its real, and these are people we know.

As far as what was observed, found it to be tremendously disturbing. Flip-flops, blood stains, and evidence markers lay resting on the north side of Lassen Street. Caution tape boxed in a specific area by the easr entrance/exit of the apartment building. There was something white struggling to be visible from behind the low cut bushes. “What is that” starts to run through your head, then you begin putting two and two together, yet its now three or four hours since the incident occurred. There’s an LAPD officer monitoring the west perimeter of the scene talking to someone on his BlackBerry, I assume his son or daughter, asking “Did you see Daddy on TV?” and going on to explain the amount of time he’d have to be on scene. So, finally bossed up, “is that his body right there?” cutting off his conversation, and sure enough. There’s this guy, most likely close to our age, just laying there, dead, with holes in his body, and a white bag resting over his shoulders. The only thing to show for it, signs of adrenaline lost as his bloody hand slid down the door as, I would guess, he sought help.

This really felt like a situation that was too close to home. Not even a block away from the Cal State, Northridge campus, a man gets slain. On a Sunday afternoon, broad day light? One may ask themselves, “Is this what I have to be concerned about when I’m walking down the street? To know that any given person could pull out a gun and just let off that quick! It’s supposed to be a collegiate environment, these kinds of things aren’t supposed to happen.” And then reality hits. Welcome to “The First 48“!

Please, please, please, do what you can to avoid situations like this from occurring. Even if it is as simple as being the bigger person and avoiding a confrontation. As far as gang affiliation, this is 2009, not the nineties! Its time to grow up, take some control, and make the right decisions. Dare to be different and step out of line! On be half of Cali Bred, may the young man whose life was taken rest in peace and wish the best to his family and loved ones.

Feel free to log on to ABC and check out the news article and video clip from the scene.