Christmas Day homicide victim found dead in parking lot

Deshawn Luther Needom, a 24-year-old black man, was found dead in a Compton parking lot on Christmas Day, his body riddled with bullets, authorities said.

Deputies with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department heard gunfire in the area near the 700 block of West Laurel Street just before 9 p.m. on December 25 and drove in that direction.

"When they reached the location, they found the victim, lying in the parking lot suffering from gunshot wounds," according to a release from the sheriff's department.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to his funeral program, Needom was raised by a maternal aunt until her death in 2003 when he went to live with an older sister. He attended Ronald McNair Elementary School, Willowbrook Middle School and Leuzinger High School.

"He had such an infectious laugh that he would end up making everyone laugh, even on their worst day," said the program for the service held at St. Peter A.O.H. Church of God. "He understood the meaning of family and stood hard for what he believed in."

Needom's survivors include his five children.

-- Ari Bloomekatz and Megan Garvey

For the record: The initial post on Needom's death incorrectly spelled his last name as Needam, based on information provided by the coroner.