Byron Lawerence Weston III, 20

June 6, 2011, 10:39 a.m.

Byron Weston III, a 20-year-old white man, was found dead Wednesday, June 1, in the 3000 block of East Olympic Boulevard in Boyle Heights, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Ed Winter, spokesman for the coroner's office, said Weston died of apparent strangulation.

It was unclear where he was killed, Winter said. The body was dumped at the location where it was found.

The coroner's office had no other information about the case.

Anyone with details about the death of the victim is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (800) 222-8477.

-- Los Angeles Times

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53 reader comments

I wrote a comment here way back in 2011 when this senseless murder occurred. In all the years since, I have never forgotten about Byron. He has the tendency to pop into my mind every so often and each time I wonder if there has been any progress on finding the individual who did this to him.

I recall sometime during the years that have passed, I located a website which I believe was created by Bryon's mother where she shared memories and photos of him. It was beautiful and it broke my heart at the same time.

I mentioned in my previous post from 2011, that I "went through trying times." I was referring to my own struggle with meth but didn't feel comfortable saying that at the time. The struggle continues to this day as I experience relapse after relapse after relapse. I have hope that someday, I will be me again and will remain that way. Byron's story touched me because I could relate to the hell he was living and I knew too well the overwhelming power this drug has on its users. If you or someone you know is dabbling in meth or thinking of trying it, I am absolutely serious in warning you to run away and don't look back. Warn your friends, your family, anyone who will listen, that the consequences of this drug are so severe, it's not worth trying it even once. Once was enough to get me hooked, probably for life.

I hope Byron's killer has been caught. It has been too long, surely they've uncovered something since then. I will cross my fingers that justice has been served. A *hug* to Byron's parents. I will never forget Byron, even though I never met him.

— Mike Sept. 19, 2020 at 12:11 p.m.

I thought I posted on here 8 years ago but I guess I was in such bad shape mentally at the time I didn't. Byron was my best friend at 20 years old. I met him in the 6th grade at Village Christian Schools and we both left the school to go to Verdugo in 10th grade he might left the year before me. But we continued to be friends but God didn’t really put him in my life until he was homeless and struggling. He would stay with me from time to time and come over when I lived on the same street and I’d be out on my porch. I was a stoner back then and I didn’t know he had a drug problem until my friend Travis and me caught him trying to overdose in my room in my house. I was so mad at him but at the same time tore up. He had poke marks all over his arm from trying to shoot up speed. Me and Travis stayed up most of the night talking to him in my room. Before all that I lost someone very close to me and eventually I ended up in the ER from deliberately trying to end my life. I came to my breaking point and had a nervous breakdown. Byron even though he was homeless found out I tried to hurt myself and nearly succeeded some how made it off from downtown to sylmar were I was in the Er. He talked to me for 11 hours and even wanted to spend the night with me. The hospital of course couldn’t allow that i didn’t know how long I would be there and I didn’t know at the time if I was going to live to begin with. I’ll never forget that he stayed in the Er for 11 hours and I gave him my green and black flannel cause I knew it was cold outside. I spent 9 days in the hospital and when I got out. I started hanging out with my best friend Travis and Byron soon after I was out and moved to Burbank with my other Mom Marie Fisher. Where I was living in Sun Valley was such a toxic environment I don’t why I put myself through that for years but I immediately had a new outlook on life and was hopeful. Just being in a more peaceful household helped. I remember my brother and his mom did not like Byron just because he came over the first time high and was dirty and just looked the part. My other mom liked him after she saw him cleaned up and talked to him. She then realized that he wasn’t some druggy that he was good kid. Marie was very intuitive and I remember how much she said she was proud of me for trying to help Byron. Byron started living in Northridge area I think and that’s where we met Cherrie and Ashley. Between us and my other buddy Travis we all became close friends but especially the three of us. Byron spent a lot of time around me sober and I would talk him through his depression from coming off speed. Byron was my first time dealing with a friend that had a habit it was beyond hard to see someone you love go through that he was like a brother I never had. He was still such a good friend to me he just wanted my company. He said my optimism gave him hope. I want to remember the laughs we had. Us and the girls were so close and his death changed all of us.

— Keith Kevin Aug. 29, 2019 at 9:04 p.m.

Byron will be missed by all who knew him. Byron would frequent our church during the week just to say hi and ask if we needed help with anything in or around the church. Byron attended church regularly on Wednesday nights with his family and started getting involved with the sound ministry. I will always remember that big smile whenever he would come into my office just to talk. He would light up the room. Byron was sitting in my office a week before the Lord took him home and we where having very serious discussion. He had told me what was going on in his life and where he was at. I looked at him and asked if he knew where he would go if God took him home. He looked at me straight in the eyes and said ""Absolutely Yes I do" I asked him how does he know that? His reply, because I have asked Jesus into my heart. So the question goes for all who read this. Do you know where you will spend eternity? Because my friend Byron knew. If you have any questions or would like to talk go to
calvary chapel sun valley.com

— Gary, Calvary Chapel Sun Valley Sept. 6, 2011 at 11:41 a.m.

I knew Young Byron - I was intoduced to him by his Aunt.
I have a son that is about a Year Older than Bryon and my son means the world to me - my son served in The Marines and received a Medical Discharge and lives outside of Chicago.
When his Aunt advised me of what happened to Bryon - I felt like I just lost a Son and I was shocked and it brought certain feeling inside of me that is hard to explain.
The time I spent with Bryon and the different things we discussed was like I was talking to my son.
Sometimes when I think about him - Tears comes to my eyes and I Miss him
and I also wish I could have been there for him more often.
I will miss him and I know when I look up in the sky at Night - I know Bryon is up there and when my times comes to go - I want ot be there next to him.

Bruce .

— Bruce Bird Aug. 31, 2011 at 5:33 p.m.

Byron was such a good boy. No matter how old he was, he was always “Little Byron” to us. He always demonstrated his love and appreciation for his entire family. Byron contributed to society in more ways than most people ever do. After he transferred from private school to public school, he helped lead a bible study at his high school during lunch. He was a leader in the Air Force Cadets. For years, he sang and played guitar for the senior citizens in convalescent homes. He always scored above the 90th percentile on his Standardized Tests. He had a great track record and the potential for a bright future. We cannot speculate on why he died. If the murderer repents and sincerely turns to God, then Little Byron’s death would have been for a reason. Otherwise, it was just a senseless, evil act. Ultimately, it is Little Byron’s family that has been punished. We will be the ones missing him every single day. We are left with the shock and disbelief that something like this has happened in our family.
Maggie

— Maggie Aug. 12, 2011 at 12:09 p.m.

Just found this site for the first time and I am horrified by the number of young Latinos and Blacks shot to death in this city. Nobody deserves to meet such a violent end, but my heart goes out especially to the families and friends of those who were murdered senselessly.

Byron Weston's case is intriguing due to the manner in which he was killed. I've known the area well for many years, as I grew up nearby, and murders of this type are very rare for the area. Murders that have occurred in the vicinity are usually tied to gang activity, involve guns, and hardly ever involve victims that aren't from the area.

I have nothing but the deepest affection for those who've been enslaved by addiction, and it's clear just from what I've read here that Byron made sincere efforts at recovery. Kudos to his family for being such a wonderful support system and providing him with love, spiritual, and professional guidance. My family was similarly supportive back when I went through trying times myself and I can't tell you how much it helped.

Meth is one of the most addictive, strongest substances known to man, and so I hope the Weston family won't feel they could've done more or that they failed. Just confronting the problem as aggressively as you all did, and made it a point to let him know you did it because you loved him makes you all triumphant in my eyes.

Was Byron walking alone and attacked? Or did he go visit a friend and chosen at random on the way home by some lunatic? Either way, it's very tragic and, once again, my heart goes out to the Weston family.

— Mike June 30, 2011 at 3:57 a.m.

Not very many recover from the use of Meth. The sad truth is only less then 25% do. This is not only depressing and scary but now it has become a reality. Byron may have suffered with addiction but he is completely free now in the arms of Jesus. When parents pray for thier child to find the strength to escape the bondage that satan has lured them into- we cant possible know how our sovern Lord will answer that prayer. I am sad that his life ended so early and in such horible circumstances. I know in my heart that this could have been stopped. Whoever was with Byron knows... Through my own expereince these "friends" never tell the truth or give any information. I'm angry that these cowards didnt have the guts necessary to help Byron. I'm angry that the police will not do much about it but I'm not surprised about the lack for action and compasion from either of these groups. Whatever information is out there I ask that it comes forth. Do it anonymously if that makes you more comfortable but do it!! Its such a travesty that Byron was taken from his family and friends but don't let the responsible person or people get away with this. Have the courage to do what's right and honor the memory of Byron and give some hope to all who loved him- especially his mom!

— M. Rascon June 28, 2011 at 2:24 p.m.

If there is a person who knows anything about this, or a witness, or even a suspect, I beg you to come clean and tell about it and confess. I think God wants for us all to come clean about our sins. I think God would want you to come clean about it now, YOU reading this, who knows something. I am begging you, through Christ Jesus to say something. Do not be silent anymore. Your salvation is depending on it. We all need to hear from you, today. Please confess. God is waiting for you to do so. I know you will soon. Jesus Loves You. Please do not stay in the dark any longer. Please say what happened. Please. You do not want to go to your grave with this on your heart and soul. Thank you. Ahead of time for confessing.

— Ms. Karin Ferris June 27, 2011 at 3:24 p.m.

I ask too please for anyone who was there in the area to speak up please. We need to bring folks to justice for taking another's life who is only for God to do so. In the alternative, I know and I believe "vengence is mine sayeth the Lord" we just have to trust his Word for this. Romans 12:19:
New International Version (©1984)
Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. Still, I think this case needs further work from you officers. Now get to work! Maybe the friend who posted above who was going to work that morning may help. Just to think there is a murderor out there, is very unsettling. I hope you officers manage to catch him.

— Ms. Karin Ferris June 27, 2011 at 3:12 p.m.

this is in Ref to R Chaput, thank you for your courage to post on this site, and for your comforting words, they are appreciated. Byron Was raised as a Christian for most of his life, he started experimenting with drugs at 15 and he could not get out of it, he tried calvary chapel rehab in Perris Ca, he also tried rehab called Gods helping hands, he tried therapy,psychiatry, he also tried praying, this was something he could not get out of, byron was only 20 years old and would say that he was young and he just wanted to have fun. he did not have any tattoos he was not in any gangs. He was just a nice meth addict who lost his way and could not find his way back. I would like the ask R Chaput a question. you stated that you saw the officers at the crime scene when you got to work? since this was early in the morning, maybe someone in that area had a surveillance camera, it could have a clue, the police are not doing much to solve this crime, we are willing to do the leg work if someone can point us in the right direction, we have to act now before the case grows cold. Does the company you work for have cameras?

— m. weston June 27, 2011 at 11:11 a.m.

Byron Weston III knew Jesus and that is the most important thing ever!!! When seeing his Facebook page in the religion section he said "Jesus all the way" AMEN!!! He is now standing in the throne of Jesus. Praise Him! If anyone is reading this now who doesn't know Jesus, get to know Him friend, because there is no heaven without Him. I pray every person looking at this site now will know our Lord, Jesus, and accept him as your Savior. I know this is what Byron would have wanted for sure. Byron is now sitting in Jesus' lap, and Jesus is loving Him and welcoming Him into His heavenly Kingdom. Friends. It's not too late to get to know Him too. Byron, we'll all see you one day dearest. Everyone else reading this now: Jesus loves you, and wants You to come to know him too. Give your life to him. Repent. Accept Him as Your Personal SAVIOR and He will change your life. I will pray for everyone reading this today. And if anyone wants to e-mail me, I am here. To God Be The Glory! Byron, we can't wait to be with you in heaven. Please pray for us all now down on this pitiful earth.

— Ms. Karin Ferris June 17, 2011 at 2:05 p.m.