James Merchant, 33

March 25, 2012

James Merchant, a 33-year-old black man, was shot and killed Sunday, March 25, in the 4600 block of Imperial Highway in Hawthorne, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Ed Winter, spokesman for the coroner's office, said Merchant was in a restaurant parking lot when he was shot.

After being injured, he ran across the street and collapsed. Authorities were called and the victim was pronounced dead at the scene at 3:04 a.m.

Coroner's records show Merchant suffered several gunshot wounds to his body.
Winter had no other information about the case.

Anyone with details about the shooting is asked to contact Dets. Todd Anderson or Sam Dendekker at the sheriff's homicide bureau at (323) 890-5500. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Los Angeles Times

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13 reader comments

Brother Brother I want u back Just bring him back its has been so hard for me I don't think I would ever get over this its just not right its just not right at all am lost of words still its like u still here an just having see u yet its going on 3yrs still feel like its just happened. That was the worst knock have ever gotten just unreal You were a good man good father good person good everything just don't see how this would happen to u outta all people u not even that type of person but those always be the ones to go SMH they say the good die young but why my brother though. .. Who every An I mean who every did this to my brother I will see u soon because am not resting until my family most importantly my nephews an niece have justices. .. U took the wrong one an now u left his kids without a good loving father that love they life until his last breath ... Now imma make sure y'all pay if its takes my last breath. .. An Jesus Name I Pray Amen 😢😢😢😭😭🙏🙏🙏🙏

— lacole Jan. 31, 2015 at 10:33 a.m.

James was tragically taken away from his family. He cared for his five children the way all men should. He was a good father. We (the family) are still feeling the pain of his senseless passing. James had lots and lots of friends, both male and female. The memorial service for him was packed. The congregation, was packed to standing room only, while out side many many more waited to bid James a final good-bye. There was so much love present. James did not deserve to die like he did! We still have no leads on the suspects who were responsible. Please, if anyone have anything on the suspects, please contact the homicide detectives. Do it for James' children. They deserve that. It is they whom are taking the death of their father the hardest. Please, if you know something, say something thank you. Isaiah.

— Isaiah Steele April 13, 2012 at 11:43 a.m.