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Andrew Ersean Peppers, 16

Andrew Ersean Peppers (2009-05-05)

Andrew Peppers, a 16-year-old black youth, was shot in the head and killed Tuesday, May 5, in the 1400 block of South Temple Avenue in Compton, according to the Los Angeles County coroner’s office.

Andrew was sitting on a wall with four friends when someone walked by and opened fire at the group, said Ed Winter, a spokesman for the coroner’s office. Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies responded to the incident and found Andrew and Draysean Earl, a 13-year-old black youth, lying in the grass. Both youths had been shot.

Andrew died at the scene. Draysean was taken to a hospital where he died early the next morning.

Witnesses described the shooter as a black man who ran north after firing at the group, according to Los Angeles County sheriff's officials. Sheriff’s homicide detective believe the shooting may be gang-related.

Anyone with information is asked to call (323) 890-5500.

Read about Draysean's funeral: 'It was just a senseless crime.'

-- Anthony Pesce

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