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Delshon Eugene Hayes Jr., 23

Delshon Eugene Hayes Jr. (2015-08-09)

Delshon Eugene Hayes Jr., a 23-year-old black man, was shot and killed Sunday, Aug. 9, in the 1700 block of West Florence Avenue in Manchester Square, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records.

About 12:45 p.m., people were gathered at a car wash in the area. A person approached Hayes and a 34-year-old black man and began shooting into a crowd, said LAPD Det. Rob Lait.

The gunman then ran to a four-door gray compact car and fled south on South Hobart Boulevard, then West on 74th Street, said LAPD Det. Young Mun.

Hayes was pronounced dead at the scene, according to coroner’s records.

The 34-year-old man, who was also struck, was hospitalized and is expected to survive.  Mun said that Hayes and the 34-year-old man knew each other but did not know whom the gunman was targeting.

The night after the shooting, a group of people gathered for a memorial for Hayes at the car wash. Hayes’ aunt, Janice, who declined to give her last name in fear for her safety, said that Hayes leaves behind a 5-year-old son and a baby on the way.

His grandmother, Beverly Hayes, said that last time she saw Hayes was at a baby shower for the unborn child.

“That child will never see his father,” she said.

A few days before he was shot, Hayes and his son got haircuts together.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Criminal Gang Homicide Division at (323) 786-5113. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Nicole Santa Cruz

Photo: Flowers are stuffed into a bottle of spray wax at a vigil held for Delshon Hayes Jr. on Aug. 10. Credit: Nicole Santa Cruz / Los Angeles Times

FOR THE RECORD: A previous version of this post said the shooting occurred in Harvard Park.

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