Mark Lewis, 27

March 26, 2012

Mark Lewis, a 27-year-old black man, was shot and killed Monday, March 26, in the 11000 block of Avalon Boulevard in Green Meadows, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Ed Winter, spokesman for the coroner's office, said Lewis was pumping gas at a station about 8:45 p.m. when two unknown men walked up and asked, "Where you from?"

At that point, the men shot Lewis, authorities say.

Authorities were called, and the victim was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead at 9:30 p.m. Coroner's records show Lewis suffered several gunshot wounds to his torso, arm and back.

Winter had no other information about the case.

Anyone with details about the killing is asked to contact the LAPD Criminal Gang & Homicide Division at (213) 485-1383. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Los Angeles Times

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11 reader comments

— Wadiya; until the people in those killing field neighborhoods stop supporting the gang culture and their network of enablers, then nothing will change.

One place to start is on election day. Before you cast a ballot, ask yourself what has any elected official done to make things better. These neighborhoods continually elect and reelect the same set of do nothing politicians. Decade after decade. Shake up the system. Refuse to vote for the incumbent and let new blood and faces try to resolve things. And that's from the city council up to the president.

Start asking on whether the tired old faces that represent these killing field neighborhoods has accomplished anything. Ask the incumbents why they are driving jobs out of the city and the state. Ask yourself why the LAUSD is a complete disaster. Ask yourself if unchecked illegal immigration has been good for anyone.

Stop accepting the status quo! Change can only be effected by the people who live in those neighborhoods. No one else can make things better for you.

— syscom3 April 14, 2012 at 7:43 a.m.

My heart is so heavy over this. Mark was an upright, god-fearing young man. I'm filled with sorrow, anger, and disappointment. I'm sick of hearing about the senseless killings that are taking our young black men. There's just a total disregard for life. There needs to be a spiritual awakening out here. Black on black crime ... the sub-culture of genocide is truly destroying our families and our communities. Our youth are being grossly misguided ... out here killing off innocent people! We need our good black men. Without our black men, we have a weak family structure. With a weak family structure we have weak communities. And with weak communities our children are raised with the odds stacked against them. And the cycle continues. We really have to take back our communities and protect our children's minds. This is a mental war. Unlearn to relearn. Spirituality, self-love and self-respect start at home and is taught by example. It's not just the responsibility of the parents. It's also the responsibility of every member of our community to care enough to properly guide and raise our youth. It starts with us.

There is no easy answer or solution to this epidemic but we can start by believing that each of us as an individuals can make a change around us. If you're not part of the solution then your part of the problem. Each one teach one ... pull the next man up. Be present in your families ... not just physically but mentally and emotionally. Talk and communicate with your children. Make education a priority. Be active in your community and get your children involved early in the game. Lead by example. But most importantly put God first and make sure you teach your children to do the same. Our collective contributions can drive change.

— Wadiya April 11, 2012 at 10:23 a.m.