Enrico Willingham, 38

Oct. 14, 2010, 1:52 p.m.

Enrico Willingham, a 38-year-old black man, was fatally shot Monday, Oct. 11, in the 10900 block of South Figueroa in Vermont Vista, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Police received a 911 call reporting shots fired about 8:50 p.m., said Det. Scott Smith, who works with the LAPD criminal-gang and homicide unit.

When authorities arrived, they found Willingham on the corner suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken by paramedics to a hospital where he later died, Smith said.

At this time, investigators have not made any arrests in connection with the case and do not have a description of the shooter.

Willingham was a documented gang member, Smith said, and the shooting is believed to be gang-related.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Det. Mike Levant at (213) 485-4341. Tipsters who would like to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).

-- Sarah Ardalani

Share a memory or thought about Enrico Willingham

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.

11 reader comments

I have to back up what Gee is saying. As a white former police officer and now lawyer, anyone that is in touch with the street will know that not all gang members are bad people.

I know this sounds crazy to a lay person but sometimes people grow up in bad situations and they survive the only way that they know how. Its just like if you grew up and everyone in your family played football, you would think football was cool and you would want to play football.

The problem with calling someone a "documented gang member" is that people automatically judge. The guy could have been gang banging at 14, grew out of it by 20 and been a good family man for all we know.

So what I am saying is don't judge when you don't know the man. One of your kids could turn out to be a criminal, you never know. Would he then deserve to die?

I have known plenty of people that have made bad decisions in their lives at a young age and turned it around.

Gee, it's too bad that you don't have your friend anymore and my heart goes out to his family. People forget he had a girl, mother, grandma and probably kids.

— TS Nov. 25, 2010 at 10:06 a.m.