Kevin Clay Thomas, 20

Aug. 25, 2015

Kevin Clay Thomas, a 20-year-old black man, was shot and killed Saturday, Aug. 8, in the 2300 block of East 1st Street in Los Angeles, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records.

Thomas and his friend were at the Soto Gold Line station near 1st and Soto streets around 7 p.m. when they were approached by three Latinos in their 20s, said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Lt. Victor Lewandowski.

The men got into an argument, and Thomas and his friend were cornered near the elevators, Lewandowski said. Then one of the assailants pulled out a gun and shot Thomas multiple times, he said.

The assailants briefly chased Thomas’ friend, who got away, Lewandowski said, and then the men fled west on 1st Street.

Thomas was taken to a local hospital and pronounced dead at 7:41 p.m., according to coroner's records.

Lewandowski said the area around the train station is known for gang activity and the shooting appears to be gang related. However, he said investigators don’t have any other suspect information.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Those wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

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Two reader comments

I was sitting in my front yard with a friend, about a block away when i heard the shots rung out. There were five shots in a row, then a lull of about 5 seconds, then two more shots. Immediately my heart sank, as i knew those last 2 shots, senslessly took the life of another young person in our community. My heartbroken thoughts and prayers go out to the Thomas family during their time of sorrow. I am a vendor in Boyle Heights, and although i did not know Thomas, i knew who he was. He seemed like a great kid with a great attitude! RIP young one <3

As a side note, there is an apartment bldtg on the s/w corner of Mathews St. and 1st, one block away from the Goldline. Im not sure what im trying to say here, butnthere a group of guys that hang out on the Mathews side of that brick apt bldg, and theyre are aboit 8/10 of them everyday. They are not nice people. They range in age from 15 - 35 or 40. Theyre always up to no good and making.nasty remarks to anyone who passes by. I have stopped taking that street anymore. My gut tells me they know something but i cant prove it. Thank you, Robin Lathim

— robin iathim7h Oct. 8, 2015 at 7:02 p.m.

The Homicide Report

Kevin Clay Thomas, 20

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Two reader comments