Keyona Marie Turner, 16

May 9, 2011, 5:07 p.m.

Keyona Turner, a 16-year-old black teenager, died Wednesday, May 4, three days after she was shot in the 1300 block of East 49th Street in Central-Alameda, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Ed Winter, spokesman for the coroner's office, said Turner was shot in the head while she was sitting in a car on May 1 about 4:20 a.m.

She was taken to County-USC Medical Center, where she remained until her death May 4 at 11:50 p.m.

Winter had no other information about her killing.

Anyone with details about the shooting or the identity of the shooter is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (800) 222-8477.

-- Los Angeles Times

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31 reader comments

I am so sorry this girl was killed. No one is judging, most of us just have an opinion. It doesn't matter what she was doing, (driving, sitting in a car, etc.) there is no reason (weekend or not) for a teenager to be out that late. THAT'S WHY parents set curfews for kids. Chris Rock said it perfectly, "Nobody is going to the ATM at 2:00 in the morning for something good." Meaning, if you don't have to be out that late, don't. ADULTS don't go out that late sometimes. Also, what about the other things teenagers do when unsupervised? Like having sex, doing drugs, and drinking? Ever heard of peer pressure? I am not saying this girl was doing these things (and I am not saying all teenagers do these things) but where is the parent making sure they come home at a decent hour? That was the only time she could get a ride? What kind of reason is that? Don't call me a judge or a hater, because I am not either of those. Believe me I am sorry I am right. Because if this girl would have been at home in bed, she would be alive. That, tragically, is the saddest truth of it all.

— Ms. Lee Oct. 7, 2011 at 10:47 a.m.

People like to think that if the victim wasn't in the wrong place at the wrong time with the wrong person, then they wouldn't have been murdered. That way it's the victim's fault and therefore it won't happen to them or theirs. DUH! Every homicide victim is in the wrong place, at the wrong time, with obviously the wrong person! Ok, so she paid the ultimate price for her error in judgement. I mean, REALLY?? So she deserved to be murdered? I don't think so! Wishful thinking on their part so they can go on in their own lives believing it can't happen to them...Well it can. The cancer of crime will continue to spread as long as people believe it only happens to "those people" in "those neighborhoods" and do nothing except blame the victim (which requires no real action on their behalf). "Evil exists because good men do nothing."...Yes, staying away from certain activities, areas and people will help reduce the chance of being a victim of a violent crime. But let's put the blame where it truly belongs. Not on the girl, not on the parents, but on the murderer(s)! Believe me the family is probably blaming themselves already for letting her go out, come home late, not making a different choice it.. and it will go on in their minds and hearts forever... SO STOP! It's only the MURDERERS' fault! To the family of Keyona, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I know your loss too well, and those ignorant people have nothing better to do or say but this way they diminish their own fears and sense of powerlessness so they can let their children walk out the door. Remember, what they say doesn't mean it's the truth, it's only their opinion. Also, there are organizations to help you get through this terrible time, such as Parents Of Murdered Children (google and find a support network near you) a group of people who truly understand your loss.
Condolences,
Nancy, Heather's mom
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Justice-for-Heather/229099663811640

— Heather's mom Oct. 6, 2011 at 12:27 p.m.

Wow, way to make her parents feel even worse. Every parent has different rules and who's to say she wasn't at a friends house all night watching movies or studying? I was allowed to stay at a friends house that late when I was her age, but I wasn't allowed to go to house parties. So people need to stop making judgments based off a small article and start sending prayers and positive thoughts towards her family. All your negative comments are doing is making someone who is dying on the inside feel even worse. All you people who think you're kids are perfect because you "raised" them right and give them curfews: It's time to wake up! No kid is perfect and no kid is safe.

To her family and friends: I am so sorry for your loss. Be strong and remember all the good times you had with her. She is your guardian angel now.

— 310Lifer May 16, 2011 at 9:42 p.m.

To JJ and whom ever else that may read this report and speculate, this story that was given on here regarding Keyona's death left loop holes. Number 1 Keyona was shot in a moving vehicle, the car was not parked she was just getting ready to be dropped off @ home. Yes, it was 4 in the morning but that was the only time her ride had to pick her up and drop her off. She never thought twice about getting dropped off that late because she was not doing anything wrong. Keyona was a innocent victim and so was the driver of the car.She was a fun loving, good hearted young lady with a bright future ahead of her, she was smart in school but, not street smart (meaning she always felt that if she was not bothering anyone she would be safe) My girl, My baby Keyona Turner to know her was to love her, May god strike those cowards and there loved ones for what they have done.

— Heartbroken May 15, 2011 at 1:35 p.m.