A story for every victim

Lester Beasley, 51

Lester Beasley, a 51-year-old black man, died Sunday, Feb. 12, in the 100 block of El Segundo Boulevard in El Segundo, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Deputies responded Sunday night to a 911 call from employees at a gas station, authorities said.

When authorities arrived, they found Beasley with injuries sustained during a fight with a 44-year-old man.

Paramedics responded and pronounced Beasley dead at the scene, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said.

Detectives later determined that Beasley had kidnapped the other man in Willowbrook and drove him to the store "for the purpose of having him withdraw money from the ATM," the department said in a statement. "The suspect implied he had a gun."

The victim began fighting to draw public attention and escape, authorities said.

Anyone with additional information about the incident is asked to contact the sheriff’s homicide bureau at (323) 890-5500. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Robert J. Lopez

Share a memory or thought about Lester Beasley

Before you post, here are some answers to frequently asked questions:

Remember, all posts are approved by a Times staffer. Profanity and personal attacks will not be approved.

  Required
  Required