Christopher John Paul, 33

April 28, 2015

Christopher John Paul, a 33-year-old white man, was shot and killed Wednesday, April 22, in the 3300 block of Mentone Avenue in Palms, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records.

Shortly after 2:30 p.m., officers found Paul with a single gunshot wound in an alley, police said. Witnesses told police that they saw a car flee the area, but a description of the vehicle was unclear.

Paul, who was on his way home, was pronounced dead at the scene at 3 p.m., said Ed Winter, assistant chief of investigations for the coroner’s office.

A $50,000 reward for information leading to those responsible for the killing was approved by the Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday, April 28.

Anyone with information is asked to call LAPD’s West Bureau homicide at (213) 382-9470. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Nicole Santa Cruz

Share a memory or thought about Christopher John Paul

Before you post, here are some answers to frequently asked questions:

Remember, all posts are approved by a Times staffer. Profanity and personal attacks will not be approved.

12 reader comments

To the good people of Palms: We are deeply gratified by your outpouring of sympathy and condolences you have voiced as a result of my son's tragic and senseless death. We as parents and my daughter are in a state of shock and perpetual mourning at his passing. Each day as his personal effects arrive from California, his loss is further magnified; and the emotional trauma starts all over again.
My son Christopher John, was without question a model of human decency; ebbing with compassion and love for his fellow man. He never spoke ill of anyone; he never judged another; he always showed respect and courtesy for the dignity of others. In his daily life, which was simple and unalluring, he always reflected the true values of christian living by giving from the heart. His legacy as a man of God should be everyone's goal so that violence and hatred can be erraticated from the face of the earth.
I should think that the message my son would like to lmpart to the citizens of Palm and to the world is that only love, temperance, goodwill, tolerance will bring about an eternal peace to the human condition.

In closing, I would like to suggest that some kind of remembrance be offered in the park grounds such as a plaque inscribed with his name, date of his death, and some words of tribute for what he stood for. May God send his blessings upon each and everyone of you. The Paul Family

— Richard Paul May 14, 2015 at 7:05 a.m.

I was so sad to hear the news of Christopher's death. I used to see him all the time at St. Augustine's Catholic Church. He wore his hair long and the first time I saw him I thought he looked so much like Jesus that I was startled. He was always last to take communion. So quiet, meek and humble. He reminded me that Jesus is among the "least of these". Every time I saw him I thought to myself "Jesus is here among us still." And it tugged at my heart to pay more attention to the people around me, especially the quiet ones. Now to hear that he was senselessly killed at the age of 33 just like our Lord, I don't think I will ever see him as just Christopher ever again. I never knew him or talked to him but he touched my life in a very special way. I will always remember him.

— Heather Bradford April 27, 2015 at 9:34 a.m.

This young man was always at Mass. He was a pious young man, very shy, and humble. He was usually the last person to receive the Eucharist, humbly, with his head downward. On many occasions, I saw him walking close to my neighborhood. I saw him at the market, and he was very humble yet reticent to converse, hardly making eye contact. I tried to extend my friendship, but he made it clear that he needed to remain to himself. He was a pure soul and honest, and he distanced himself from most people. I am so very sad that he was slaughtered, like a lamb, the victim of a random criminal act. However, like the saints that have gone before us, his life had tremendous meaning, and the Lord loved him and took him to Himself. My heart is broken. I will miss him a lot.

— Catherine Mammana April 26, 2015 at 7:25 p.m.

Christopher Paul Loved our Lord as he attended daily mass at ST.Augustine Catholic Church and i know he is praying for us all. He was very shy but a Loving spirit who at the sign of peace just before receiving Holy Eucharist, our eyes became friends, a truly faithful man.
After mass a couple of weeks ago, i asked him if he could pray for my mom who had a tumor removed, and he told me my mom would be just fine. Paul is the name i called him, was extremely humbled that someone would ask for his prayers, he was, still is our Angel at ST. Augustine. Today April 24, 2015 the Gospel Readings were that of Saul becoming Paul, ST Paul
The one who changed his heart and hopefully
the worlds hearts!
Paul may the Peace of Jesus Christ be always with you!
Love, your friend Victor jr
PS, See you in Heaven!

— victor mammana April 24, 2015 at 11:37 p.m.