Donovan Hoover, 27

May 6, 2012

Donovan Hoover, a 27-year-old black man, was fatally shot Sunday, May 6, in the 200 block of West 37th Street in Historic South-Central, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Hoover was killed about 1:30 a.m. near the intersection of Broadway and 37th Street when an unknown assailant walked up and shot him several times in the chest, Los Angeles police officer Gregory Baek said.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene, Baek said. Coroner's records show Hoover suffered gunshot wounds to his head, torso, arms and legs.

No arrests had been made. Investigators believe the shooting was gang-related.

Anyone with details about the killing is asked to contact the Los Angeles Police Department at (877) 527-3247. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 .

-- Kate Mather

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26 reader comments

First off I would like to take the time to thank everyone for the comments. I was Donovan's family as well as I served in the Armed Forces. After going through all the comments, I can truly so I don't disagree with anyone's comments. The choice's that he made were not what we may feel was the "right" ones, but in the end HE has paid the ultimate price. Now he is gone, and may we all let him REST IN PEACE. I ask for 1 thing, If you did not know him, then please do not judge him, that is not for ANY OF US to DO. Leave comments if you will, but don't disgrace the dead. Thank You!

To: Donovan- I will forever remember you as the one who helped me with my math homework and made me snacks afterschool. I wished I could've said Good-bye, so now I will. May you Rest in Peace.

— Loved1 Oct. 26, 2012 at 6:19 a.m.

Baby Bam Loc,

I'm sorry you lost your friend Donovan. He was obviously a good friend who meant a lot to you. He was too young to die, and no man deserves to die so young and violently the way he did.

Having that said, please DO NOT disrespect our Armed Forces by comparing Donovan to our fallen "heros." Our soldiers fight for the rights of all of us, including Donovan, and pays a HUGE sacrifice with their lives daily to give us all our freedom and opportunities. Your friend nor the Cripps are in no way comparable to the honorable soldiers we are esteemed and priviledged to have serving our country.

Had your friend lived longer, perhaps he would of changed his ways and became a contributing citizen instead of remaining a gang member, but unfortunately we lost him too soon before that change happened.

May his soul Rest In Peace, and may he be remembered for the good he did do while he lived on this earth.

On the other hand, may his victims and other victims of other gangs find comfort and peace in God's name, and win justice for their losses through our judicial system in God's name.

— michelleI Oct. 1, 2012 at 11:07 a.m.