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Randal Cleaves II, 23 [Updated]

Randal Cleaves II, a 23-year-old black man, was fatally shot Monday, Aug. 9, near the 200 block of East 127th Street in Willowbrook, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Cleaves had just parked his car and was getting out of his vehicle about 10:40 p.m. when he was approached by a person and shot, said Ed Winter, a spokesman for the coroner's office.

Cleaves, shot in the chest, ran into a yard and collapsed, Winter said. Authorities were called and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to coroner's records, the alleged shooter fled the area, but was followed by a witness who flagged down police. Winter said records indicate that Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies arrested the suspect. He did not have additional information about the suspect's identity.

The Times has contacted investigators to get more information about the shooting and the suspect, and will provide additional details as soon as they become available.

[Updated Aug. 18: Anthony Darby, an 18-year-old black man, was arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with Cleaves' death, said sheriff's homicide Det. Ken Perry, who is handling the investigation.

Because the case is still under investigation, Perry declined to discuss a possible motive for the killing.

Darby is being held at the North County Correctional Facility in Castaic. His next court appearance is scheduled Aug. 26 in Compton Superior Court.

Anyone with additional information about the case is asked to contact Perry at (323) 890-5500.]

[Update Nov. 18:  According to the Los Angeles County district attorney's office, Darby had a preliminary hearing Thursday.]

-- Sarah Ardalani

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