Garry Roosevelt Harris, 60

Garry Roosevelt Harris, a 60-year-old black man, was shot and killed Sunday, June 14, in the 1700 block of East Firestone Boulevard in Los Angeles, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records. 

Investigators became aware of the incident at 8:25 p.m. when the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department received a call about a gunshot victim outside a liquor store. When deputies arrived, they discovered Harris, who had been shot multiple times in the lower leg, and a 19-year-old male, who had been shot once in the shoulder, Det. Todd Anderson said.

Witnesses said the 19-year-old, a local gang member, had just walked out of the store and was having a conversation with Harris, who was standing outside, when two black men walked up to the pair and began shooting. 

Anderson said investigators suspect the shooters were rival gang members and the 19-year-old had been the target. However, there was so much gunfire that a stray bullet went through the rear window of a passing car, narrowly missing the driver and his two small children inside.

The 4-year-old boy was treated at a local hospital for cuts from flying glass, but the child and his 1-year-old sibling were otherwise unhurt, Anderson said.

“They were really lucky they weren’t killed. It’s because they were small; if they had been taller they would have been hit.” 

Harris and the 19-year-old were taken to a nearby hospital. The 19-year-old was treated for his injuries and is expected to survive.

Harris, a Los Angeles resident, was pronounced dead at 8:56 p.m., according to coroner’s records. 

Anyone with information about the shooting should call the Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. 

— Jeanette Marantos