Johnny Berry Cox, 31

Jan. 13, 2016

Johnny Berry Cox, a 31-year-old black man, was shot and killed Monday, Jan. 11, in the 1600 block of West Vernon Avenue in Vermont Square, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records.

About 11:15 a.m., Cox was standing on the south sidewalk off West Vernon Avenue when a light-colored pickup drove up and a person inside opened fire, LAPD Det. Chris Barling said. Preliminary information shows that the gunman shot from the vehicle, but it’s unknown whether it was from the driver’s or passenger side, Barling said.

The truck fled east on West Vernon Avenue, Barling said.

Cox, who lived in the area, was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 11:28 a.m., according to coroner’s records.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Criminal Gang Homicide Division at (323) 786-5113. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

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

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15 reader comments

Wow, it seems like yesterday but we will see to it that the person who is responsible spends his whole life behind bars, jealousy is soooo strong that a person would take your life he couldn't be you so he wanted to take your life sad part is he still won't be you, I know your mother she is stupid strong that lady will not go down without a fight for you as of this day I see her I see you and she's a very smart and loving woman missing you very much I see her pain and hurt twice over too you can't tell nobody that lady isn't strong I know you are watching over her because that's how she goes on day to day we love and miss you here Johnny keep watching over that beautiful daughter of yours she looks just like you and I know that's what brings your family peace that lil girl.... Luv you Johnny our angel in heaven won't ever be another like you and the hood knows It....

— Only God knows April 24, 2017 at 5:45 p.m.

Johnny oh johnny where do I begin big bro first of all I just wanna say I miss you baaay beeee lol (insider) man the day I got that call you were gone it broke my heart and stole my soul out of nowhere but I love you oso much bro and ima always do my best to either go see your mom and I will forever in a day call,text or whatever no lackin because that's what loyalty is but man dude I miss you down here the world ain't right no more since god called you up to join him but I ain't taking no advice from nobody because I always got the best advice from you it was all so true you knew how to put words together then some ima miss those lectures from you for sure it isn't not one day you skip over my brain bro you always on my brain i can feel the pain every morning,noon and night but you know the deal,see you whenever I get there bro I love you bro and it's sad we won't ever see each other in this life time but rest well johnny forever yo lil brodee-Tiny WeE

— Forrest Freeman Jr. Aug. 16, 2016 at 7:31 p.m.

Son, I promise to make sure your death won't be in vain I am very leery of those people who say they care about what happened to you! But you will always and forever remain in my heart it hurts to see you in the homicide report I wish I could see you somewhere doing big things with all the intelligence you had it would've been greatly used on today's youth how I know for a fact your message would have been used wisely for another purpose, there will be a better outcome this I vow today as I write this to you... Time for a better change I love you watch over us as a whole and one last thing please tell Ernest that momma misses him too.. I see you two brothers together again and I know you both are not alone. Peace and lots of love to my two babies... Johnny and Ernest Rest in Paradise Sweet Children of mines....

— Momma to johnny March 15, 2016 at 7:48 a.m.

The Homicide Report

Johnny Berry Cox, 31

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15 reader comments