Phillip Steven White, 65

Phillip Steven White, a 65-year-old black man, was found dead Tuesday, May 22, in the 3900 block of South Bronson Avenue in Leimert Park, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records.

Shortly before 8:30 p.m.,  a family member found White, along with his mother, Orsie Lee Carter, 79, and his stepfather, William Carter, 83, in the bathroom of White’s home, police said. White had lived in the beige Spanish-style home for 40 years, friends said.

All three had been beaten and shot and were pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said.

Forensic evidence implicated Nancy Jackson, a 55-year-old black woman and a longtime friend of White’s, in the slayings, LAPD Capt. Peter Whittingham said at a news conference announcing charges against Jackson.

Jackson reemerged in White’s life about six weeks before the killings. White, known by many as quiet and kindhearted, allowed Jackson to move in temporarily, childhood friend Ralph Tilley said. She had said she planned to move to Las Vegas, but she later refused to leave.

Jackson also had been acting as a caretaker for White, who suffered from multiple sclerosis.

Police think the three victims were killed the night before their bodies were found, after Orsie and William Carter came to visit White.

Nashun Carter, 35, a great-niece of the elderly couple’s, wept as she stood near the house the day after the discovery. She said her sister had called to tell her the news.

“I was lost for words because they are such good people,” she said. “They are so strong. Believers in God and Jesus. … You would never think nothing like this would ever happen to them.”

White, a former probation officer, galvanized his neighbors to form a watch group years ago. He often was seen walking the neighborhood on his way to Tak’s Coffee Shop, where he was a regular.

“He would protect the area as best he could,” said longtime friend Earl Richardson.

White was a high school track star who, in 1970, placed in the top five in the state in the 200-meter dash, friends said. He often would reminisce about his days running track and playing football while sitting around the dining counter at Tak’s on Crenshaw Boulevard.

“This is the worst thing I’ve ever heard,” Tilley said. “I can’t believe it. I’m still in shock.”

Jackson, who has been charged with three counts of murder, is due in court July 11, prosecutors said. She is being held without bail, according to online court records.

Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at (323) 786-5110. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

— Times staff writer Nicole Santa Cruz contributed to this report.

Contact the Homicide Report. Follow @latimeshomicide on Twitter.