Joseph Louis Neal, a 39-year-old black man, died Sunday, May 20, after he was shot in the 8500 block of Cimarron Street in Manchester Square, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records.
About 10:30 p.m. on May 19, Neal along with a group of more than 30 people, were gathered at a car wash and strip mall at a candlelight vigil for a person who died in federal prison of natural causes, said Los Angeles Police Det. Chris Barling.
A dark-colored sedan approached, driving north on Cimarron Street from Manchester Avenue, and a person fired multiple rounds, striking Neal and Shauntrell Darnell Matthews Jr., 21, Barling said.
The car continued north, police said. Neal was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 4:16 a.m. the next day. Matthews was pronounced dead at 10:38 p.m. at the scene, according to coroner’s records.
Investigators are looking into whether a gang in the area may have targeted the group because they assumed the group was part of a rival gang, Barling said. The vigil being held was for a gang member, officials said.
Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at (323) 786-5113. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.