Joshua Eugene Cooper, 27

Dec. 5, 2011, 12:58 p.m.

Joshua Cooper, a 27-year-old white man, died Tuesday, Nov. 29, a day after he was shot near 92nd Street and Compton Avenue in Watts, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Officers responded to a call regarding an assault with a deadly weapon about 1:55 p.m. When they arrived, they found Cooper shot, said LAPD officials.

The victim was taken to St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood where he died the next day. According to coroner's records, Cooper died from a gunshot wound to the head.

Detectives said they do not have a description of the shooter and the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information about the death of Joshua Cooper or the identity of the shooter is asked to contact the LAPD Criminal Gang and Homicide division at (213) 485-4341. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Los Angeles Times

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63 reader comments

Yes Josh, not a day or even an hour goes by that I do not remember my only son, and think of the love that you had to give to others, your thoughtful, kind ways, your struggles to find your way, and now I know that the good Lord just wanted you to come home and enjoy Him and a heavenly paradise forever. I am so happy for you that you are in Heaven! The good Lord showed me today that you were amazed to see the wonders of Heaven, nothing is dead or dying there, all of God's wonders are displayed in brilliant colors, the plants and animals that you love so much, and that those who have gone before you welcomed you to the family, more than you ever knew existed, generations of ancestors who were expecting you and had so much to share with you, and the Lord told me that yes, you are missing us who have not made it there yet, but you are longing for us to come there, and experience all the splendor waiting for us, that you do not ever want to leave your beautiful eternity. Bless you my son Josh.

— Sandra Cooper Aug. 6, 2012 at 9:40 a.m.

My dear son Josh, it has now been 5 months since your life was taken from you. I am so sorry to say that no arrests have been made and there is no justice for you in LA County. I feel uneasy for those people who must live and work in that neighborhood, for there is a cruel killer walking among them. My source tells me that the killer is from that neighborhood, and that witnesses are afraid to come forward. Apparently, the LAPD is not effective. Yes! I am angry about that!
However, I know that even an arrest and serious conviction will not bring you back. And knowing why you were a victim, will not bring you back. And I will still live with the reality of losing my only precious son. But I pray for justice for Josh and the life that would have been.

— Sandra Cooper May 1, 2012 at 7:26 p.m.

@syscom3/Meck one and the same, you can argue with me all you want but the facts are the facts deal with it. The 2012 Census is Fact. You dont want to deal with the truth. For Your information Compton was all Caucasians until around 1960. Both Presidents George Bush once lived in Compton as well as James Coburn. Some whites moved to South Gate some did not. I have neighbors that have been in Compton for over 45 years who are White. We have a few neighbor hoods that are very nice. One nicknamed Hollyhood, people are shocked when they visit me, My section of Compton is 1 notch below Hollyhood and I dont know what they call that gated community. You don't live here you are misinformed, End of story. I feel sorry for you. Come from out of that box you live in and start going by what you know, not what you think you know. Your comments and supposed facts are erroneous.

— Sheba April 23, 2012 at 12:31 p.m.

@syscom3, I gave you 2012 census fact not 2010 and quick facts do not have their data up to date for 2010. Use the Census they are more accurate. White people did not just show up in 2012. They were here before blacks moved in their neighborhood in the 1950s. I shop with these people on a daily basis. They started taking their property back in the early 1990's. More moved into a gated community in Compton in the mid 2000's paying 500,000 per home. Yes I said 500,000 per home. I viewed the homes personally in Compton. You don't live here or shop here. Like FOol said, Come down here but you are too scared to do that. I feel so sorry for you. I understand you are miserable and probably friendless, that's why you come on the HR and attack the grieving.

— Sheba April 16, 2012 at 10:49 a.m.

Josh is an organ donor and three lives are saved due to his contribution.
According to OneLegacy, Josh's left kidney was given to a married nurse, mother of one son, a woman in her 30s, who no longer needs dialysis.
Josh's right kidney went to a married father of six children. He is in his 40s and is now free from dialysis.
Josh's liver went to a man in his 30s.
All recipients live in California.

Josh received a Certificate of Appreciation in his name Joshua Cooper from the US Dept of Health and Human Services for his contribution of giving the "Gift of Life" to others.

Josh, I am so proud of you my son. When I gave birth to you, I knew you were a gift from God. I never expected to have to give you back. My love for you lives on in my heart, and you have now given others a chance to live on. Your life and your gift of life has meaning that no evil can ever take away.

— Sandra Cooper Feb. 8, 2012 at 9:01 a.m.

Josh,
When I read the message Gina sent me about you getting shot i was in udder shock! That is something that i never EVER wanted to find out. You can't be gone, there is no way! I saw you before you left and your gonna come back home soon right?(denial!!!) My heart is forever broken, you are my best friend (and like my little brother). I really wish people would treasure life more and not take sencless violence out on others, because if that was how it were Josh would still be here warming the hearts of everyone he met! My family is missing a branch on our tree...we love and miss you Josh! You were a great friend, Uncle to my son, and always there for a good belly laugh. I will forever miss your hugs, and beautiful smile!

To Josh's Family,
I pray for every single one of you all the time. I am here for all of you, and I REALLY mean that! Sending my love!

— Erikka Eveland Dec. 18, 2011 at 5:33 p.m.

I'm shocked and deeply saddened by Josh's suddend passing. I'm outraged that another human being can be so cold and callous. I've known Josh and his father, Gene, for the past ten years - wonderful, kind, generous people that I am lucky to call friends. I've been able to share so many great days of surfing the waves and hanging out on the beach talking story and laughing with them.

My heart aches for Josh's family and longs for justice to be brought to those responsible for taking him from us.

I spoke to Josh a few weeks before he went to Los Angeles to spend Thanksgiving with his sister and nephew - as a country boy I could imagine why somebody would want to spend time in L.A., let alone Watts - but Josh informed me that he spent some time there last year and enjoyed himself with his family and in the community of Watts. He had nothing but good things to say about the people and the place where he had been and about to visit again. Please, if anybody reading has information relevant to this investigation contacnt law enforcement so they can bring those responsible to justice.

— Jacob Chilcott Dec. 12, 2011 at 10:23 a.m.

Many people have much info about Josh.

I'm his mother. He's my only son and he is very much loved and missed.

He is 30, born in 1981.
Born, raised and still lives in Oregon.

Was visiting family for Thanksgiving.
He was a lifelong athlete. Baseball, basketball, and so on.
Long time surfer longboard, he surfed northern CA.

He was due to leave LA on Monday 11/28, and was shot in back of head near his sister's front door that day. Broad daylight.
Loving brother, loving uncle, many friends grieving and needing answers.

He was declared deceased due to no brain activity on 11/29.
He was on life support and slept peacefully with loved ones at his side until 12/4 evening.
He became organ donor and 3 lives have already been saved due to his contribution.

Sandra Cooper Bates
El Prado, NM

— Sandra Cooper Bates Dec. 7, 2011 at 9:59 a.m.