James Lieneke, 19

April 29, 2015

James Lieneke, a 19-year-old white man, was fatally shot on Sunday, April 19 in the 11200 block of Woodruff Avenue in Downey, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records.

Downey police officers arrived on the scene about 2:50 a.m. and found Lieneke lying on the sidewalk with gunshot wounds. Paramedics pronounced him dead at 3:04 a.m. at the scene.

Detectives found a surveillance video from a nearby business, which shows the crime, according to a news release. In the video, Lieneke and his friends walked northbound on Woodruff Avenue in front of a parking lot.

A dark-colored sedan pulled up alongside the group.The man got out of the driver's side of the car, walked around the to back of the vehicle and confronted Lieneke on the sidewalk.

A short conversation occurred between the two men, according to witnesses, then the driver pulled out a gun and shot Lieneke. The man ran back to his car and drove off.

Detectives said the man was 5 feet 8 and weighed about 180 pounds. He was bald and was wearing a white shirt and jeans, according to the news release.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Downey Police Department at (562) 904-2308 or Det. Robert Del Rio at (562) 904-2324 or Det. Michael Galindo at (562) 904-2330.Those wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477..

Contact the Homicide Report. Follow @jeromercampbell and @latimeshomicide on Twitter.

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Four reader comments

Only positive memories come to mind when I think about James Lieneke. I knew James as a child. We were both young kids. I met him through a very special family, whom I was lucky enough to spend much of my childhood memories with. When I heard the news about a year ago, I was devastated. I constantly find myself thinking about him. James, was the spotlight for positive energy, always looking at the glass half full. What was done to him is unforgivable, and honesty breaks my heart everyday. Its moments and events like these that make me question the world around me. But, just when I reach for hate, I remember that contagious smile. That smile, that literally melts your soul. It would be easy for me to hate, but I know, that is not what James Lieneke would want. I decided to comment, because although I had not seen James in years, his presence always seemed so special to me. He will always be in my memories, and ALWAYS, ALWAYS remind to look for the good in others. Rest in Peace James Lieneke, a hero to me, and a hero to many. -Red

— Red Sept. 14, 2016 at 9:05 p.m.

James was murdered, he was last seen being followed by a black Honda. A couple weeks before his death a black Honda with 4 guys were trying to provoke a fight with James. He said he had just fought one of them but they were still heated. He was never alone, especially at this time of night. He was most likely with his so called friends. Who called his father right after the shooting and said James was in an accident. So basically they ran from the scene and James had too much pride and heart. So he didn't run and that was it. Shot in the head by some weak, small, loser. James was a nice guy who ran with the wrong crowd, He will always be remembered as that little kid who always wanted to make friends and have a good time. Later on, James you will always be here.

— James friend April 29, 2015 at 10:07 p.m.

The Homicide Report

James Lieneke, 19

Share a memory or thought about James Lieneke

Four reader comments