Rewards: Seeking justice for these murder victims

The Board of Supervisors of Los Angeles County offers cash rewards for information which leads to the apprehension or conviction of any person responsible for committing crimes which pose a risk to the well-being of the community. In order to claim a reward, you must (1) provide information to the law enforcement agency which leads to the apprehension and conviction of the party responsible for the crime and (2) submit a claim for a reward to the Executive Office of the Board of Supervisors. In order to receive payment for a reward, the person or persons responsible for the crime must be convicted of the crime, unless the Board of Supervisors makes a finding of impossibility of conviction due to the death or incapacity of the person.

 

 

Reestablish Reward Offer in Murder of Iyshun Dionte Tornero Bennett

On Tuesday, April 16, 2013, in front of 1734 West 151st Street in Compton, 23-year old Iyshun Dionte Tornero Bennett was with friends and family attending a birthday barbecue party. At approximately 11:52 p.m., an unknown assailant (or assailants) began shooting at the partygoers. Iyshun, along with a 15-year old male and 39-year old male, were struck by gunfire while standing in the front yard of the residence. Witnesses at the party observed that the gun shots emanated from an area located west of the party. Iyshun was transported to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center where he died from his injuries during surgery. The two remaining victims suffered non-life threatening injuries. However, the 39-year old male victim sustained significant injuries to his intestines and faces a prolonged recovery period.

Iyshun Bennett is described as a former star football player at Compton High School who was preparing to pursue a career as an x-ray technician. The shock and senselessness of this tragedy has left Iyshun’s family devastated.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) detectives believe that there are witnesses in the neighborhood that may have seen the suspects leave the area. The Board of Supervisors reestablished the reward offer in this case on September 9, 2014, however, the reward offer expired on February 6, 2015. With the reestablishment of this reward offer, any individuals with information about this senseless crime are urged to contact LASD’s Homicide Bureau or Crime Stoppers. Detectives believe that a reward offer would be helpful in solving this crime, thus bringing some sense of closure and justice to Iyshun Bennett’s family and friends.

I THEREFORE MOVE THAT THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS:

Reestablish the offer of a reward in the amount of $10,000 in exchange for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the death of 23-year old Iyshun Bennett and the injuries sustained by a 15-year old male and 39-year old male, who were struck by gunfire on April 16, 2013, in front of 1734 West 151st Street in Compton.

Detective Ralph Hernandez

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Homicide Bureau
(323) 890-5500

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Crime Stoppers
(800) 222-8477

Establish Reward Offer in Murder of Tynisa Lagail Hicks
 

On June 7, 2014, at approximately 12:20 a.m., on the 1400 block of W. 104th Street located in unincorporated West Athens, 38-year old Tynisa Lagail Hicks was returning home after celebrating her husband’s birthday. She was walking towards her front door when a car stopped just east of the home. Tynisa saw three black males exit their vehicle. As Tynisa’s husband Anthony entered his home, Tynisa yelled a warning, and as multiple bullets began hitting the front of the house, Anthony dove atop of the children who were sleeping on the living room floor. Tynisa was shot as she blocked the door with her body and died protecting her family. The suspects fled in a dark sedan east-bound headed towards Normandie Avenue.

Tynisa worked in the medical billing field. She supported her children and monitored closely the special medical needs of her 16-year old son. She is survived by her husband and three children. Tynisa was a well-loved and respected mother, daughter, sister, neighbor, and friend.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) detectives believe that there are witnesses in the neighborhood that may have seen the suspects leave the area. Any individuals with information about this heinous crime are urged to contact the LASD’s Homicide Bureau or Crime Stoppers. Detectives believe that a reward offer would be helpful in solving this senseless crime, thus bringing some sense of closure and justice to Tynisa Hicks’ family and friends.

I THEREFORE MOVE THAT THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS:

Establish the offer of a reward in the amount of $10,000 in exchange for information leading to the apprehension and/or conviction of the person(s) responsible for the death of 38-year old Tynisa Lagail Hicks, who was fatally shot on June 7, 2014, in front of her home on the 1400 block of W. 104th Street located in unincorporated West Athens.

Sergeant Ken Perry
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Homicide Bureau
(323) 890-5500

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Crime Stoppers
(800) 222-8477

Establish Reward Offer in Murder of Mr. Calvin Eugene Gray

On Tuesday, July 29, 2014, 33-year old Calvin Eugene Gray was shot and killed at approximately 8:30 p.m. on the 1000 block of West 76th Street in the Vermont Knolls community in Los Angeles. Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers responded to the radio call about the shooting, and when they arrived, they found Mr. Gray in his vehicle suffering from gunshot wounds. Paramedics from the Los Angeles Fire Department responded and tragically, pronounced Mr. Gray deceased at the scene.

Mr. Gray was employed by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department as a Security Officer. He joined the Sheriff’s Department on October 14, 2010 and was assigned to the County Services Bureau at the time of his untimely murder. Mr. Gray was a valued member of the Sheriff’s Department and represented the County of Los Angeles to the highest professional standard while maintaining a strong moral conviction and compassion towards the public he served. Mr. Gray is survived by his three children and he leaves behind a large family comprised of multiple brothers and sisters and his 70-year old mother. In his off-hours, he was an active member of his community and church.

LAPD detectives believe that there are witnesses in the neighborhood that may have seen the suspect(s) leave the area. Any individuals with information about this senseless crime are urged to contact the LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division. Detectives believe that a reward offer would be helpful in solving this crime, thus bringing some sense of closure and justice to Mr. Gray’s family and friends.

I THEREFORE MOVE THAT THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS:

Establish the offer of a reward in the amount of $10,000 in exchange for information leading to the apprehension and/or conviction of the person(s) responsible for the murder of Mr. Calvin Eugene Gray, who was shot and killed on July 29, 2014 at approximately 8:30 pm. on the 1000 block of West 76th Street in the Vermont Knolls community in Los Angeles.

Detective Marcia
Detective Roberts
Los Angeles Police Department
Robbery Homicide Division
(213) 486-6890

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Crime Stoppers
(800) 222-8477

Establish Reward Offer in Murder of Jason Kennedy

 

On July 31, 2013 at approximately 8:35 p.m., at the intersection of 108th Street and Western Avenue, 32-year old Jason Kennedy was shot and killed. Witnesses first observed a dark colored vehicle traveling south on Western Avenue and subsequently stop in the street. Several of the vehicle’s occupants then exited the vehicle and opened fire on several men who were walking on the sidewalk, including Jason, who was struck by the gunfire. The suspects then fled in their vehicle. The other individuals who were fired upon fled the scene and have not made themselves known to law enforcement.  It is unclear if Jason was target of the attack and law enforcement officials believe that he may have been an innocent passerby – a victim of mistaken identity.

Jason’s untimely death has been very difficult for his family, friends and the entire community.  Jason is described as a generous and kind young man who was known for helping people, especially his elders. He had a promising future in the construction business. Jason grew up in the area of this senseless crime and his house was just steps away from where the gunfire occurred.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (Sheriff) detectives believe that there are witnesses in the neighborhood that may have seen the suspects leave the area.  Any individuals with information about this heinous crime are urged to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau or Crime Stoppers.  Detectives believe that a reward offer would be helpful in solving this crime, thus bringing some sense of closure and justice to Jason Kennedy’s family and friends.

 

I THEREFORE MOVE THAT THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS:

Establish the offer of a reward in the amount of $10,000 in exchange for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the murder of 32-year old Jason Kennedy, who was shot and killed on July 31, 2013 at approximately 8:35 p.m., at the intersection of 108th Street and Western Avenue in the unincorporated area of Los Angeles County.

 

Detective Gary Sica
Sergeant Michael Rodriguez
Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department
Homicide Bureau
(323) 890-5000 or
(888) 412-7463

Establish Reward Offer in Murder of Tauruson McMillian

On January 4, 2014, at approximately 6:30 p.m., 34-year old Tauruson McMillian was driving north on Wilmington Avenue from Rosecrans Avenue, when he was struck in the head by gunfire which caused him to lose control of his vehicle. The vehicle crashed through a backyard fence surrounding the property on the 700 block of West 139th street in the City of Compton.  Mr. McMillian was pronounced dead at the scene.

Mr. McMillian’s untimely death has been very difficult for his family and friends. He is described as a hardworking family man who was employed by the City of Pasadena, he was not a resident of the City of Compton, and was in the area only to check on the welfare of his friend.  Law enforcement officials believe he was an innocent passerby mistaken as a gang member because of the color of his Chevrolet Monte Carlo.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (Sheriff) detectives believe there are witnesses in the neighborhood that may have seen the suspects leave the area.  Any individuals with information about this heinous crime are urged to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau or Crime Stoppers.  Detectives believe that a reward offer would be helpful in solving this crime, thus bringing some sense of closure and justice to Mr. McMillian’s family and friends.

I THEREFORE MOVE THAT THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS:

Establish the offer of a reward in the amount of $10,000 in exchange for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the murder of 34-year old Tauruson McMillian, who was shot and killed on January 4, 2014 at approximately 6:30 p.m., while driving north on Wilmington Avenue from Rosecrans Avenue.

 

Lieutenant John Corina
Sergeant Paul O’Brien
Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department
Homicide Bureau
(323) 890-5000 or
(888) 412-7463

Reward Offer in the Murder of John Wayne Whitmore

On June 13, 2014 at approximately 1:18 p.m., 65-year old John Wayne Whitmore was beaten while standing on a Blue Line train platform located on the 10000 block of Willowbrook Avenue, between Imperial Highway and Wilmington Avenue. Mr. Whitmore was standing on the rail line platform waiting for a train when two females approached him. A brief verbal argument ensued between Mr. Whitmore and the suspects, who then both began beating him with their fists and kicked him severely causing him to collapse. John sustained blunt force trauma to the head; he was transported to St. Francis Hospital where he succumbed to his injury a week later on June 20.

One suspect is described as an African American woman between 18-21 years of age, approximately 5’4” tall, and approximately 140 pounds, wearing a black hat, black t-shirt and long shorts. The second suspect, also an African American woman between 18-21 years of age, is approximately 5’6” tall, and 160 pounds, wearing white shorts and a white blouse. They both fled the platform on foot in an unknown direction. Mr. Whitmore is survived by a sister, two brothers and 13 nieces and nephews. He lived at his residence for 65 years and was a very talented artist. The investigators believe that a reward offer would be helpful in solving this senseless murder of pure malice, and bring closure to Mr. Whitmore’s family.

I THEREFORE MOVE THAT THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS:

Establish the offer of a reward in the amount of $10,000 in exchange for information leading to the apprehension and/or conviction of the person(s) responsible for the murder of 65-year old John Wayne Whitmore, who was beaten on June 13, 2014 at approximately 1:18 p.m., while standing on a Blue Line train platform located on the 10000 block of Willowbrook Avenue, between Imperial Highway and Wilmington Avenue, and succumbed to his injury on June 20, 2014.

Detective Margarita Barron
Detective Dameron Peyton
Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department
Homicide Bureau
(323) 890-5500

Reward Offer in the Murder of David Matthewis

On May 23, 2013 at approximately 11:25 a.m., 23-year old David Matthewis was shot while walking his bicycle eastbound along the south curb on the 1000 block of Elm Street in the City of Compton. David was returning home after escorting his girlfriend to her residence. A witness reported hearing one gunshot after which David was heard screaming for help. A dark smoke-gray colored boxy sports utility vehicle was seen driving eastbound on Elm Street and out of view. First responders from the Compton Fire Department rendered aid to David, and he was transported to St. Francis Hospital where he succumbed to his injury.

David is survived by his mother, stepfather, and sister. David and his family had recently moved from Long Beach to Compton. David had bright future ahead of him building custom bicycles. The investigators further believe that a reward offer would be helpful in solving this senseless crime, and bring closure to David’s family and friends.

I THEREFORE MOVE THAT THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS:

Establish the offer of a reward in the amount of $10,000 in exchange for information leading to the apprehension and/or conviction of the person(s) responsible for the murder of 23-year old David Matthewis, who was shot and killed on May 23, 2013 at approximately 11:25 a.m., while walking his bicycle eastbound along the south curb on the 1000 block of Elm Street in the City of Compton.

Detective Dan Morris
Sergeant Robert Gray
Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department
Homicide Bureau
(323) 890-5000

Cedric Hurd, an Offer of Reward to Find his Murderer(s) ($10,000)

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a request to re-establish a reward offer of $10,000, in return for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the murder of Cedric Hurd.  Cedric was shot several times in front of his daughter’s home, located in the 10900 block of Hobart Boulevard in Los Angeles.  On December 18, 2001, at approximately 9:15 P.M., Cedric Hurd went to visit his 3-year old daughter, and was shot several times in front of his daughter’s home. The suspects are two black males, approximately 17 to 20 years of age (now approximately 27 to 30 years of age), and were last seen eastbound on West 109th Place in a large black sedan.  On Tuesday, August 1, 2006, the Board of Supervisors approved a reward offer of $5,000, which expired on April 22, 2008.  The reward offer was last extended on October 23, 2007, when the amount was increased to $10,000.  The Sheriff’s Detectives from the Homicide Bureau who are working on the case are requesting that the reward be re-established.

If you have information on this crime please contact the following detectives of the LASD Homicide Bureau:


Detective Scott Fines
Detective Gary Sica

Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department
Homicide Bureau
(323) 890-5543
(323) 890-5650
(888) 412-7463, (888) 41-CRIME) Anonymous Hotline Number

Ira Tyron Koger, an Offer of Reward to Find his Murder(s) ($10,000)

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor has established a $10,000 reward offer in exchange for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for the murder of Ira Tyrone Koger.  Tyrone who was shot on Thursday, February 25, 2010, in front of his home in the 800 block of West Beach Avenue in the City of Inglewood.   21-year old Tyrone was preparing to leave for work and was sitting inside his car in front of his home, when a car pulled up alongside his vehicle.  Ira was asked of his gang affiliation and one of the suspects shot Ira, who died at the scene from his injuries. The suspects are described as three male Hispanics with shaved heads and wore white t-shirts.  They fled in a stolen 4-door white Toyota Camry. Inglewood Police Department recovered the vehicle near Centinela Park on Florence and Centinela Avenues.

Ira graduated from Gardena High School in 2007, and at the time of his death, was employed at Los Angeles International Airport.  He was also an active member of The Silver Lining of Hope Crusade under the direction of Pastor E. Winford Bell.  He was a loving son, grandson, brother and father to his family, a wonderful friend and very engaged in his community.

Ira was not a gang member and, the shock and senseless murder of Ira has left his family devastated. He is survived by his mother, grandmother, fiancée, daughter, and sister who loved him dearly.

If you have information on this crime please contact the following detective of the Inglewood Police Department Homicide Bureau:

Detective Waters
Inglewood Police Department

Homicide Bureau
(310) 412-5246
(888) 412-7463, (888) 41-CRIME) Anonymous Hotline Number

Thomas Riley, an Offer of Reward to Find his Murder(s) ($10,000)

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors established an the offer of reward in the amount of $10,000 in exchange for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder of 16-year old Thomas Riley.  He was shot and killed in front of a residence located on the 1700 block of West 105th Street in unincorporated Los Angeles.  At about 10:20 a.m., Thomas was standing in front of a residence, when two African-American male adults approached him on foot and one of the suspect(s) began firing a handgun in Riley’s direction.  Thomas and a second minor were struck by gunfire.  Both youth were transported to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, General Hospital.  Thomas Riley died as a result of his gunshot wounds.


One of the suspects is described between 24 and 28 years of age, 6 feet tall, approximately 180 to 190 pounds.  A second suspect is described between 18 and 20 years of age, 5.8–5.9, approximately 180 to 190 pounds. The suspect(s) fled on foot towards Western Avenue after the shooting.


Thomas Riley was an upstanding young man of good moral character.  Riley was not affiliated with gang members, nor had he ever been in any legal trouble.  At the time of his untimely death, he was doing one of his favorite things — working with his friends on his mini-bike.  The shock and senseless murder of Riley has left his family devastated. He is survived by his father and mother.


If you have information on this crime please contact the following detectives of the LASD Homicide Bureau:


Detective McElderry
Detective Acebedo

Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department
Homicide Bureau
(323) 890-5500 or
(888) 412-7463, (888) 41-CRIME) Anonymous Hotline Number

Reward Offered in the Hit-and-Run Death of Aspiring Teacher

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is offering a $10,000-reward in exchange for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for the hit-and-run incident that killed 26-year old Keith Conception of Los Angeles, an aspiring teacher.

On Friday, February 15, 2013, Conception was on the northbound 110 Harbor Freeway, south of Florence Avenue in Los Angeles County, at approximately 3:30 a.m. According to the California Highway Patrol, he had been in a minor traffic accident and exited his car when he was struck by another vehicle.

The investigation is ongoing and officials ask that any individuals with information contact Officer Christian Baldonado at (213) 744-2331.

Conception, who was born in Los Angeles, graduated from Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas in 2011 with a degree in social work. He had recently returned to Los Angeles and was working as an after school counselor in the city of Inglewood. He was in the final stages of getting a job as a teacher with the Los Angeles Unified School District.

“It is devastating to lose bright young men like Keith,” said Chairman Ridley-Thomas. “Our community lost a young man of great character and potential, and it is essential that we understand exactly what happened that night and see that justice is done.”

 

 

 

 

How to provide information:

  • Listed above are the crimes in the second district for which the Board of Supervisors is offering a reward.
  • Review the facts, if you believe you have information which could lead to the conviction of the criminal, contact the police agency or county department. The police or agency contact can be found by linking to the reward notice from the reward listing.
  • The police or county department must have received the information on the crime within 90 days of the reward offer, unless the time period has been extended by the Board of Supervisors.

How to file a claim:

  • Claims for a reward must be submitted in writing to the Executive Officer of the Board of Supervisors within 60 days after the expiration of the period to provide information, unless otherwise extended by the Board of Supervisors.
  • DO NOT WAIT UNTIL AN ARREST OR A CONVICTION TO SUBMIT A CLAIM! You will not be eligible for a reward if the period to submit a claim has expired.
  • Claims for rewards must be in writing and should provide sufficient information on how to contact the claimant.
  • A claim for a reward must state the information which led or will lead to the apprehension and conviction of the criminal.
  • Informants may remain anonymous and such claims may be submitted through a third party such as a police agency. Anonymous claims must provide a method of contact.
  • All information provided will be kept confidential.
  • Any claims for rewards must be filed with the Executive Officer of the Board of Supervisors, 500 West Temple Street, Room 383 Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, Los Angeles, California 90012.

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