Michael Dupree Scott, 29

March 15, 2010, 9:40 a.m.

Michael Scott, a 29-year-old black man, was shot and killed Saturday, March 13, in the 11000 block of South Success Avenue in Watts, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Early Saturday morning, paramedics responded to a call of gunfire and found Scott in his apartment suffering from several gunshot wounds, said Ed Winter, spokesman for the coroner's office. Scott was pronounced dead at the scene at 7:31 a.m., according to coroner's records.

Winter said investigators believe that Scott was in his apartment when an unknown assailant or assailants entered and shot him.

-- Sarah Ardalani

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52 reader comments

dear dad,
i luv u so much and nobody in this world can change that. i miss you everyday and its like dang my dad is really gone.
i pray cause i kno that times get tough i pray for our better days i kno theres a better way <3.
everybody wanna go outside and enjoy the rain if they knew how i live my life then maybe they would feel my pain <3
i still cry (almost) everyday and everytime i here your name i get teary eyed. everytime we would go out to the grave yard to see my dad or every time some one would mention him -auntie pam always nobody better start cryin but she just plays with us like that but i always be the first one to start cryin because i cant hold back my tears any longer- its been almost 4 years i was 10 years old then and now im 14 years old- dad i just miss u so much and i cant wait to see u again

luv always your oldest daughter (Mi'khael or Kelly)

— kelly scott Jan. 11, 2014 at 8:26 a.m.

This is what it is peoples. I survived this type of environment, mentally. Everyone don't want to be a LOSER, but no one is WINNING! Double edge sword Black folks, Too PRIDEFUL! When I grew up in the hood, I was thought to be so prideful that any type of education was foolish! I'm too smart, I'm so flashy! I'm the sh--t! at 10 years of age. Folks, we are losing, but we can win if you allow to be helped. Much respect to being beating down and still keeping your heads up, but just let it fall for a second so you can look at your feet and the road you are walking! Obama is in office. He will not go to the Nickerson or south central, but he will meet you off the 405 somewhere. Meet him halfway, its time for a change. I did it, I survived it. Turn your pride off, and become a explorer of this new world which has new opportunities if you want them.

— The Truth Be Told March 22, 2010 at 2:20 p.m.

To the family I apologize for having this verbal debate about this community on this blog that is for Michael's friends and family to share their thoughts.I just got so angry that people always think that everyone in the HOOD is a gang member or a welfare reciepiant. Every black or latino male is not a gang member and some people came to the Nicks when it was just a place to live- before it became a hot bed of gang violence. The bottom line is that we as a people need to give each other encouragement and take pride in our surroundings and lift one another up. I grew up poor and I finally found the way out but I am still struggling even with a job- I wish that I could get some food stamps to help ends meet. This violence is about territory- crips and bloods-NONE OF YOU GANG MEMBERS OWN ANY OF THE TERRITORY YOU CLAIM TO BE YOUR "HOOD"- just because you live on that block does not mean it is yours.

— Weezy March 22, 2010 at 8:59 a.m.

There are so many places I wanted to start with my comments. I will first say to Michael & Dot, when I say I understand, I really understand. On Nov 9, 1995, my 19 yr old son was murdered inside of the car by the guys he was riding with, and nobody has ever been arrested. So when I say I send my deepest heartfelt condolences, I mean and feel it. There is NO other pain that can compare to the murder of your child. NOTHING! We will NEVER get over it but we will and can get through it. Believe me, I'm living proof. Not saying it doesn't hurt because I hurt every second of every second of my life but I don't let it stop me from doing all I can to help stop this violence. For you people questioning and judging the violence that goes on in the Projects, South Central, Long Beach, Downey, Pomona, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and every place else, including the city of Compton where I live, be careful because if we, ALL OF US WHICH INCLUDES YOU, don't get involved by choice, you will get involved by force. Don't let this violence knock on your door before you realize that it just doesn't just hit those of us who are not privy to live where there is NO violence. For those of you who really want to stop this violence, join us, the SO CA Cease Fire Committee, at Bethel AME Church @ 7900 S. Western Ave. in L.A. every Wed @ 6:30PM as we discuss ways to stop the violence. If you don't show up here, there are many organizations doing the same thing. If you continue to sit at home and do nothing, Don't Complain. If you're not a part of the solution, you are definitely a part of the problem!!!

— Vicky March 21, 2010 at 7:59 p.m.

Pepsi, we've been waiting for four decades for "solutions". And you know, the old saying about the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting a different result is so true.

Tough choices need to be made here. And ultimately it has to be made by the people that live there. And since the state and county is bankrupt, there is no more money to be spent.

As I have been saying for a long time now on this blog. When its election day, make your choices wisely. Dont reelect the same set of politicians year after year, decade after decade. Start holding them accountable!

The dysfunctional culture that has taken root there has caused the complete rot of those neighborhoods. I would even say "dont tear them down, because the thugs will then move to new places to spread the rot".

— syscom3 March 21, 2010 at 4:54 p.m.

Perhaps that is the problem this has become an arena for people that do not live in the area to voice their objection at the money that is spend on our communities. One person said it doesn't matter how much money is spent it doesn't make a difference so don't spend the money. Instead we should find solutions and not cast shadows on the community at large. We still have family and friends that have lost a loved one. We should be more sympathic about our remarks that the family will read. It's not about money it's about the pain of a lost one. The negelect of certain communities should be address in a diffent arena. I agree we should address the issues that our communities are facing, but some readers are very rude and stupid. All I am saying is that we should have sympathy for his survivors because words do hurt.

— Pepsi March 20, 2010 at 7:57 p.m.

Lastly, everyone is not fortunate enough to have Jane’s parents. We were all dealt different hands in life. But if we had 1 to stand and offer whatever they could offer; one to support that cause, one to advertise & promote the initiative, one to motivate, one to teach, and one to mentor the one who did not have active parents in his/her life etc What a Change that would be. But if not, were stuck. We get stuck on the dialogue, stuck on the rhetoric and the issue gets stuck on these Blogs. Like I mentioned before but this time I am wording differently “change CAN come threw each individual... changing their mind and their attitudes on change. CHANGE can also be motivated. But once again, there are few that lack the passion in the first place.”

— CJ March 19, 2010 at 11:21 a.m.

Part of the answer could be that you reach out to those that are reachable. That would include anyone willing to participate in some kind of way to benefit this community. You reach out to employers, businesses, school, the community leaders etc and you open dialogue conveyed w/ ideas w/ people also moved by this situation that are willing to apply their resource to aid in the recovery of this dysfunction. We all have a gift to offer but we all aren’t passionate. We get caught up in ourselves and our own. In Jane’s instance we get discouraged in our efforts to assist because of what we might see. But the situation is much broader and no one person can do it by themselves.

Naturally, if you offer something free to an oppressed community they would show up. But you have to identify w/ them. You use those moments to educate them and advertise different resources to motivate them. If you have ever been on Welfare or know someone that has, you would know that the cash income you receive is dis-proportioned for the standard of living in that city. It is barely enough to survive. I have never seen it be enough to pay rent unless you are living in something subsidized (which generally have a waiting list before even becoming a tenant) Also did you know that the Food Stamp benefits are usually exceptional compared to the cash benefit? That means you have a larger amount of food stamps to spend then cash. If you lack cash and having to coincide that w/ the Higher Standard of living for the area and the State tax (and some community taxes are also higher then others) then you might understand why some resort to having to sale their food stamps just to get by. When it can be used effectively it can aid one in getting back on his/her feet. Well in an instance were resources are limited the next step is to have a job to get off of the Welfare. If you lack that then you become stagnant in your efforts. Someone mentioned that there is no single solution to this dilemma. That’s were everyone playing a part becomes so vital. If you have something to offer then offer it. If you know someone who has something they can contribute then you can motivate them. Many don’t know that what we spend in our community’s is what causes the community to flourish. And sadly, the poorest community’s either don’t know this or are duped into going outside of their own community only to spend in another well maintained one because its not offered in their own. Since the area lacks the revenue coming in they can’t employ more people, can’t open more stores to offer employment and the area dwindles in appearance and opportunity for growth. (to be continued)

— CJ March 19, 2010 at 11:20 a.m.

Wheezy,
So what is the answer? I worked in this area as both a teacher at first and then a probation officer. Do you know how much help I got from the parents or parent figure? One out of every 200 to 300 parents participated in the education and rehabilitation of their child. One out of all those parents. Yet when I told those same parents about a free something or other that was going on 99 percent of the parents showed up. All of a sudden work or time or a ride was not a factor in them getting there. The other thing that was not a factor brand name clothing. I grew up in the ghetto made my way through it with the help and encouragement of my parents. They were very involved in my education and my father was very involved in making sure I walked the straight and narrow. Do the families in this area get my empathy, they do. But a say in how the money is spent in this area would not help this area out. You could not get three people on one block to agree to what color the street should be let alone where money should be spent. I know the hardships of living pay check to pay check and yes even welfare check to welfare check when my mom needed it. So the fact that I do not live in this area any more does not make it less real to me. If we eliminate welfare for this area then I guess the amount of money poured into this area is just about even with other cities across the state however, just how much welfare is spent in this area? How many mothers take thier last cash assistance and get their nails done or by the last 6-pack for the weekend? Oh by the way I also used to own a store in an area just like this so I know that there are a lot of people who spend thier last cash assistance on beer or make up or some other thing that does thier child nothing. Or how about the family that takes their food stamps and buys a bunch of stuff and then turns around and sells it at the park or on the street? And then guess what sends thier kid to school hungry and I have to try to keep his/her attention.

— Jane March 19, 2010 at 2:16 a.m.

Condolences to the Scott family. These are difficult times and you must find solace in something.

To JANE- Your lack of understanding and compassion does not surprise me, essentially you are speaking of something you know nothing about. No information on funding, both school and neighborhood, just because you say money is being focused here does not make it FACT. There are a disproportionate amount of blue-collar families here and their safety should be important. Violence and bullets don't always hit their intended targets.

What we have and always had are socio-economic issues and there is no one single solution to this dilemma. It's a political issue, an economic issue and social issue. We all have to do a small part to make positive change.

— Luis March 18, 2010 at 8:18 p.m.

Once upon a time... seems long ago now, people cared about those around them. The Blacks (came together) and would rally for justice, The Browns would rally and come together for justice & few who weren't exactly minoritys would join the cause. People's hearts were pricked when they seen something going on that seemed inhumane, unfair etc. Now a days we live in a society whereas those not gripped w/ issues such as gang wars & endless killings turn a deaf ear, judge and press on w/ our on lives until they lose someone close to them. It's disturbing because whether you live in the midst of the havoc are whether you reside in a fairly decent community we ALL have an accountibility to what is going on around us. We ALL can brain storm different ideas and ACT on those ideas to promote a better way of living for all of us. No child left behind, No family left behind. Instead of judging the parents of children who lose their lives to violence, instead of judging the area in itself, instead of passing blame on the politicians and instead of even looking toward the man/woman that lost their life and to judge them.... WE need to honestly look in the mirror and Judge ourselves. WHAT AM I DOING? What can I do to help in this situation. If more people cared perhaps the funding already provided to these types of communitys would be applied to aid these persons who after while lack hope in life. Because of the so many criticisms, the blame games these type of communitys become stagnant in there pursuit to survive just like all of us. Why should things change in their community if the majority takes a deaf ear to the oppression they currently suffer from? Y should they even begin to stop the violence if they have been brainwashed almost to believe they are incapable of something different,, and for those different attitudes to be reinforced by Blogs that advertise a disconcern for what is going on around them. We can't honestly sit back and say "LET THEM BE" ... but there are only few who lack passion in the first place. Yes, change comes threw each individual change... but CHANGE can also be motivated.

— CJ March 18, 2010 at 8:23 a.m.

Jane- The problem is not just to throw money in the community but give them a vote on how to spend the money. Have you ever even been to the Nickersons? Do you know how it is to live there? the way they are living is crazy- the trash does not get picked up regularly- they have rats and roaches that should be paying rent. If the people that get the funds would spend it on the community instead of pocketing the money then it would make a difference. I too work and pay taxes and I would like to see some changes that actually work. As for how much money? I'm not sure there is enough money but one thing I am sure of is,When you get beat down enough, when your children get shot & killed daily , when you cant get a job because you have a criminal record for stealing food because you were hungry, or when you cant sleep because of the shooting going on all around you- I know that you just hope and pray for any kind of help, from anyone. Yes we all know that you must help yourself and make changes in your community but the odds of sucess is ZERO when you have nothing to work with. Jane- you will never understand this kind of life nor will you ever be a solution because you have already made up your mind that you are tired of them as if they personally hurt you-just think of the tax money you spend as helping a wounded animal then you can feel better about it.

— Weezy March 18, 2010 at 8:23 a.m.

Weezy,
So at what point is enough too much? I mean this area gets lots of tax dollars and how is it spent? How much more money does this area need? You mention more community job centers...really??? More? How many more? How much more of a hand out does this area need? Tell me a dollar amount, tell me what the residents are doing for themselves. Tell me when do we get on the roof tops and YELL no MORE. What exactly do you think is going to get this area cleaned up? Parenting classes don't help because unless you pay the parents to show up they just don't. As for getting people to do community service to help "pay" back what they get...that's big NO!! So what do you suggest? Because community participation doesn't work. There has to be a better understanding and money pit then just shoving more money into this. As for them moving into my area? Well that's always a posiblity I pray that it doesn't happen but nothing will stop it not a million dollars a month not all the time or attention or money in the world will stop it. But again my question to you is when is enough hand outs enough? And when do we make people responsible in those areas for themselves and each other with out more hand outs from every single tax payer?

— Jane March 17, 2010 at 11:11 p.m.

To Jane- The reason to spend money in this community is because this community needs HELP. The situation with the drugs and gangs is so out of control that the innocent people are afraid to leave their homes, simple task like going to their car could get them killed. They need more job training centers in their community. they need better schools and more options available to them. If we sit back and watch this community dissolve how long do you think it will be before they come to your community? When it gets to you just remember- hit the floor when the shooting starts and when you finally get off the floor and check on your family, get back on your knees and thank God everyone is okay. If you think your safe from this, PLEASE THINK AGAIN!!!

— Weezy March 17, 2010 at 6:53 a.m.