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Charles Edward Cheatham, 31

Charles Cheatham, a 31-year-old black man, was fatally shot Thursday, Jan. 7, at Slater Avenue and 110th Street in Watts, authorities said.

Los Angeles Police Det. Gerry Pantoja said Cheatham was walking down the sidewalk about 7:30 a.m. when at least one person approached him and shot him several times in the upper body.

Pantoja said Cheatham was walking either to or from a local store at the time of the shooting. Because the shooting happened relatively early in the morning detectives said they have not found any witnesses.

Police have no suspects in the killing, but Pantoja said they believed it was likely gang-related because several local factions of the Blood gang have been exchanging gunfire in the area.

"That area has always been pretty tumultuous," he said.

Pantoja said Cheatham was a documented gang member, but he had no substantial criminal record. He was pronounced dead at the scene at 7:42 a.m.

Police are seeking the community's help investigating this killing. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-877-529-3855.

-- Anthony Pesce

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