The Homicide Report

A story for every victim

The Homicide Report

Miquel Morales Jr., 25

May 28, 2012

Miquel Morales Jr., a 25-year-old Latino, was shot and killed Monday, May 28, in the 1200 block of West Grand Avenue in Pomona, according to the Pomona Police Department.

Officers responded to a call of gunshots heard about 3:15 a.m., said Pomona Police Sgt. Duane Leonard.

When authorities arrived, they located Morales next to a garage. He was suffering from several gunshot wounds, Leonard said.

Due to the severity of his injuries, Morales was airlifted to County USC Medical Center, but died when he arrived at the hospital.

During the investigation, detectives learned an unknown person walked up to Morales and shot him.

Morales was a known gang member, Leonard said, and he was the intended target.

No arrests have been made in connection with the killing.

Anyone with information about the death of Miguel Morales Jr. or the identity of the shooter is asked to contact homicide Det. Machado or Aguirre at (909) 620-2095. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Los Angeles Times

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153 reader comments

After reading these comments. All I can say is wow! It sucks because it's nothing but the truth. These people are evil, psychopaths, back stabbers, disloyal, & murderers. That includes a whole lot of people like their acquaintances and most of their family too, sounds bad but it is what it is. Poor mickeys mom still thinks a lot of these people that cry with her till this day and share memories about him had his back but they're just as fake as the murderers.. Scanless peeps got tatted with her sons name, when they know who killed their "friend mikey" and don't come forward. To me that's bull! Let us his real friends mourn and remember mikey. Not these so called "friends" he supposedly had. A tattoo don't mean nothing. But actions and loyalty do! I miss you seeds I'm happy you're not around these two faced people...I'm Always thinking about you <3

— JayS Nov. 14, 2013 at 11:35 p.m.

Here's the real truth about PTown 12st!!!
The older men scoop up little boy's that have it ruff at home, They embrace them holding them tight, Showing them love by giving them money and a warm place to stay telling them you have us to protect you now and no one can ever hurt you again. Poor lil boys didn't even see it coming! Hooked to DRUGS and BREAKING THE LAW and HURTING OTHER PEOPLE for these COWARDS. No more Elementey and Jr High schools for them, Its now YOUTH AUTHORITIES for them!! And then soon off to PRISON THEY GO. They are not lil boys anymore. They were stripped of thier innocence and thier kind hearts taken away for they were turned into CRIMINALS by putting in work to become a 12st member . Giving the neighborhood thier ALL and BEST!!!! But what the COWARDS forgot to tell these lil boys, Was that at the end when they are done with them and no longer needing them. The 12st SKARKIES WILL TURN ON YOU BY KILLING YOU and LEAVING YOU ALONE LIKE A DOG IN THE COLD DIRT YO DIE!!! And get this they will cry with your Mother, sisters and your whole family. They will LIE to your family acting like they don't know who killed you leaving a MOTHER TO CRY FOR HER ONLY SON!!!! What bothers me, Is that with a straight face He will look into your moms eyes and say You know me I will get who did this knowing damn well he's the one who gave them the go ahead to kill you and was also involved in planning out your murder. The sad part is your mom,sisters and your family are left with BROKEN HEARTS crying for you and missing you everyday asking GOD WHY DID YOU HAVE TO LEAVE THEM SO SOON, But at the same time BELIEVING that one day Our Dear Lord will one day have his REVENGE !!!!! With all of them that were involved..This is the truth of how SCANDALES and BACKSTABING Pomona 12 st is.....I laugh at them all

— The Real Truth about Pomona 12st Skarkies . From s Sept. 21, 2013 at 1:49 a.m.

If he was in any way involved or a gang member from the gang mentioned in the comments. That right there lets you know the type of person he must of been. No offense, but they're good for nothing! Sorry, but Mikey was obviously not a good person. People don't join a gang: to do good for their community, have a decent job, graduate from school, prevent drug use/sales and robberies. They do the opposite. They spend half of their lives if not more in jail/prison and in probation. And then when your fellow homies think you should die then you die! Wether is because you didn't pay your debt, you didn't kill the enemy, a rumor made by some lame, u sleeping with the sister or just cause they don't need you anymore. And your death will just make them feel big and bad and unstoppable. Bottom line; a 12streeter future is death, prison, or drug addict and homeless.

— Carissa Aug. 27, 2013 at 12:42 p.m.

Your right he was human a brother and father, but this act of his was for family and friends only, but not for rival gang members or people he wanted to assault, rob etc etc.
He had no compassion for others, so why should we show compassion to a criminal who didn't care for others, what good is it to behave@home with family and friends and then turn around to commit criminal acts on the streets, does that sound like a good person, if the family would have done their part in keeping the victim out of gangs he would still be here, but instead the parents turn the other way and ignore the problem, then something like these happens they have to do some damage control by sugar coating the whole incident. He was a good son, father etc ect, why say that now maybe if the victim would have heard those words often in his younger years, he might have think twice before joining, he wasn't forced into a gang he made that choice himself, the victim wasn't drafted, most gang members are bitter angry lowlifes who blame the world for everything that goes wrong, so they take it out on rival gangs and innocent people.

— 7.62 July 27, 2013 at 12:46 a.m.

Dear read my mind,

It was very difficult for me to get through your post, not because I do not read but because I could not keep pace with your writing. Any way, in your post I read at least I think I read "Do you accuse people of taking their last breath?" I don't even know how to answer this because I don't know what you mean. Your next quote "You said Morales did hurt people." Again not sure how to answer that question...I did not specifically write that he hurt people...but taking into account what he did for a living...gang banger I would say that the probablity that he hurt people was high. Sam: you know what I am saying...was another quote from you and no I do not know what you are saying. Do you think that is right for me to say about you? (again your quote) sure go ahead...I'll be dead it won't matter to me what you say about me! It won't even matter who you are to me? Besides as soon as I become a gang member and or commit a crime you have my permission to write whatever your little heart makes you feel better about. Why because I will be dead and what you have to say won't matter and as for my family! They know who I am and what I have done. They know I have tried to live a good and rightous life...what you write here won't matter to them you are a stranger. Do you really think that if a family knows thier own that the words here would matter? You do not know me if you have something bad to say when I die say it! If it will make you feel better I'm all for it. As for my family? Well I guess my children wouldn't want to read it but I'll just tell them to stay off this site. So this is my permission to you to say whatever makes your day. I thought my kids to be aware of stranger danger....so they add you to the list, no big deal. I have held the hand of dying man as he took his last breath, I have said a prayer with a woman asking for god to forgive her of her sins, I have comforted a child born too soon to a drug addict mother as he died in my arms. I have tried to comfort the sick and aid in thier care. I know I have done good in this life. So if you wish to punish me in death and if that brings you comfort go for it! My family won't fight with you here on this blog....they know me. They know what I stand for and they know the good that I have tried to do. So come to think of it, I guess that's another difference between my family and friends and Morales' family/friends, mine won't have to come on this blog to defend my honor. They won't have to come on this site to read about me or read what you have to say. My legacy will be the honor and goodness and empathy in which I lived my life everyday.

— Sam Oct. 19, 2012 at 7:13 p.m.

Here is a list of people murdered within blocks of Mikeys house. Most of these murders are gang related. I wonder how many of these people knew Mikey or his family. This is just life in the hood. How many people were shot in this area and survived? How many people were shot at and missed?

Me and mine aren't nothing like this.
My neighbors aren't anything like this.
My community isn't anything like this.

This is pure evil.
This is Mikeys world.
This is the world of gangs.

Welcome to Hell! Compliments of Mikey and the Gangsters!

Ya, Only God can Judge.

Miguel Angel Tinoco 30 10/3/12
Laderrick Rogers 20 6/2/12
Terrill Thomas 20 6/2/12
Miquel Morales Jr. 25 5/28/12
Jonathan Marquez-Avila 18 5/15/12
Julio Gutierrez 19 4/13/12
David Salas III 32 4/8/12
Markeon Taylor 24 4/2/12
Corey Williams-Cummings 22 3/14/12
Jose Ortega 26 3/5/12
Andres Avila 26 10/16/11
Daniel Cruz 60 9/11/11
Manuel Morales 19 7/31/11
Jimmie Adams 36 4/16/11
Alton Payne 55 3/27/11
Kirk Winter 53 2/6/11
Victor Hernandez 25 2/6/11
Lina Romero 31 2/3/11
Jose Dominguez 16 1/25/11
Ernest Cabrera Jr. 43 12/2/10
Russell Goodwin 50 12/1/10
Ramiro Chavez 18 8/14/10
Michael Mccall 44 4/29/10
Allen Alexander 48 4/29/10
Verner Keene 25 4/18/10
Jessie Valdivia 23 12/5/09
Armando Vidana 25 9/29/09
Noe Escobar Reyes 41 9/22/09
Steven Alaniz 50 9/10/09
Robin Ridgeway 49 7/23/09
Jose Chavez 30 5/15/09
Carlos Espinoza 22 2/4/09
Victor Francisco Tejeda 17 12/17/08
Jorge Antonio Tamayo 46 12/14/08
Miguel Martin 25 12/5/08
Carlos Foreman 40 11/20/08
Michael Rodriguez 18 11/17/08
Edgar Sanchez 5 10/20/08
Jesse Diaz 24 10/11/08
Florence Anderson 71 8/26/08
Kathleen Anita Pope 52 8/24/08
Larry Pierson 46 7/27/08
Kevin Castillo 20 3/12/08
Eileen Orta 22 2/15/08
Rodolfo Guerrero 25 12/21/07
Timothy Thomas Jr. 22 12/14/07
Frankie Buelna 61 11/14/07
Enrique Sanchez 26 11/13/07
Scottie Lee Howard 53 11/12/07
Arthur Brown III 18 10/24/07
Larry Hunnicutt 48 9/13/07
Fernando Mora 49 7/26/07
Esteban Ivan Gutierrez 20 7/22/07
Angel Aguayo 25 6/8/07
Raymond Garcia 16 5/20/07
Daniel Contreras 19 5/8/07
Michael Limon 26 4/8/07
Mychael Whitaker 44 4/8/07
Pamela Campbell 36 3/24/07
Rolland Holloway 30 3/24/07
Carlos Gonzales 18 3/20/07
Stanley Williams 46 2/18/07
Kevin Rodgers 46 1/18/07
Michael Ornelas 21 1/6/07

— Mark Oct. 16, 2012 at 1:44 a.m.

Okay come to think of it...to make you all feel better here is what I hope.

I hope that the last moments of Morales' life were spend reliving all the bad he did, and that in the last moments of his life he had to live through the pain he caused, the hurt he inflickted, and the wrong he had done, just like all of us before we leave this world. Most of us get in to "heaven" whatever that means to you but I know before you get there you pay for your sins here on earth. I work as a RN and have seen more then my share of people take their lasts breaths, and 99% of the time no one leaves this earth without paying for their sins. So if there is a God in heaven Morales paid for his sins before God let him go up to heaven. Some deaths are peaceful and it seems like that person just closes his/her eyes and goes to sleep, while others are violent and filled with terror. I'll never forget a old man died but before he died he went through diffrent parts of his life...and at times he woke up in such horror, and everytime he opened his eyes he sighed...such bad memories. Later i learned that he had been a very abusive husband and father. And the same story has played over and over again in the hospital. No one leaves this earth without first paying their dues. I don't see a thing wrong with that.

— Sam Oct. 13, 2012 at 2:22 a.m.

@A
Who exactly are you referring to when you are speaking of those giving you advice? Oh if only we were as smart and learned as you know we would be sympathetic to these gang members, right? But we are just too stupid and unmotivated to learn about them, right? Then we can be an enabler like you saying, "Oh you don't understand they are victims, they had no opportunities boo hoo....etc". Seriously? Let me be clear: If a person doesn't like gang members or doesn't like gang violence that has nothing to do with tolerance. You keep posting about how intolerant "we" are because we don't know about gang life. As a person who knows a heck of a lot about crime, gangs, mobs, drug cartels, our legal system, the death penalty, The Innocence Project, judges, military crime, domestic violence, etc., the only people I feel sorry for are the victims and their families. I guarantee I know more than you give me credit for. To assume if we were all just as smart as you we would feel the same way is wrong. That is a short-sighted and egotistical view of the world. You even say in one of your posts that these gang members have never had any other opportunities, but in the next paragraph you say different. You say they HAD opportunities, but they had "never been looked at in a hopeful way in their lives" (?). So they did have help, but didn't take it because why? It sounds to me like it probably took real work and commitment and meant leaving the gang and 'dat ain't happnin', right? Also, Medicaid doesn't let anyone live comfortably, so I don't know where that comes from. Plus you have no impact nor influence on making sure Medicaid is still "solvent", whatever the heck that means. You even called someone on this thread a "waste of humanity". That was just plain mean, and you are going into social work? I don't think you would be very good at social work. You are too sympathetic and you actually stick up for the gangs and the actions of their members, then call us intolerant if we don't agree with you. Your opinion is not the only one that matters, thank God.

— Ms. Lee Oct. 7, 2012 at 4:28 p.m.

A,
Your education has put you in a box. An education is not a given to all that is right with the world. It has allowed you or given you the right to sit in judgement, the same judgement that you find discusting in others. Your masters and access to this life style does not make you an expert, just another person looking for answers where there aren't any. Good for you you earned yourself a masters...now what? How as your work improved the little part of the world in which you worked/volunteered? With your masters who do you invision changing the world? Your education has given you insite and power now tell us how you are going to change the world? Oh and pls try to use words that my education will allow me to understand, after all you came into my world and use me and then left without making any changes but, then again you were but a mere student. Now that you are a big masters educated human being tell me how you are going to make a difference?

— Molly Oct. 6, 2012 at 4:35 a.m.

Peace,
I would love for the violence to stop but its not going to. I didn't shoot the man. I didn't make him go out and commit crimes. I wish I had that kind of power. But even if I did I would not use it to commit crimes. As for doing eveything we can as mothers to keep our children safe, really? I don't think as mothers we do enough! There are people out there that should not be mothers, they do not have the slightest I idea what that means. To see picture after picture of a father holding his 2 year old and showing him how to throw up gang signs...with the mother taking the picture. No Peace there is one too many mothers out there that keep having children that they have no idea how to raise. If they did the crime would stop! The problem is that all these mothers giving birth to these kids are producing the criminal of the future. Because they have you to tell them well you did the best you could. Why not tell them that their best wasn't good enough? No that would be too harsh. Why not tell them to stop procreating? What is so harsh about telling the mother sitting in juvi court again that she's too screwed up to mother an animal let alone a child?

— Sam Oct. 5, 2012 at 6:58 p.m.

Peace, ?, B,

So here we go again, what did I say that was so wrong? This man was involved in illegal activity, on that we can all argree, right? And if the answer to that is no then we have nothing else to talk about! However if the answer to that is yes, then lets proceed. What did I say that was so wrong? I still do not have a clear understanding of what it was that I said or rather wrote. All I keep getting is how wrong I was...but this is the second time as ask for something specific and I get nothing in return. Was it the harsh way in which I said God answered his question about only being able to be judged by him? Was it the fact that I wrote I hope he faced the same fright that others had faced before him? What pushed you over the edge about my comment? Given the same set of circumstances do you think for a moment that Morales would not have pulled the trigger on you? Or taken your property with out your approval? Do you think for one moment that Morales would not have jumped all over you to get what he wanted? Do you think you would have been able to talk him out of it? I don't mean his life style I mean his moment of crime...do you think he would have said Oh my bad sorry didn't mean to pull the trigger....is that what offended you? That I didn't give him his time to say sorry? Would that some how make all what he did in his life okay? So lets give him his time...time to say sorry I didn't mean it, time for him to say how terrible his life was and how he didn't have any other choice. But his family on this site claims...he came from a good family which means he had choices he did not have to do what he did. Now do you get it? He came from a good family no problems, no abuse, no drugs, no aftermath that he had to deal with. He did what he did becase he felt like it. He came from a good family there was no reason for him to be out there causing pain to others. No reason!! He came from a good family. And that information came from them.

— Sam Oct. 5, 2012 at 6:41 p.m.

SAM:

Like I said NOT ALL FAMILIES APPROVE OF THAT GANG LIFE!!! But yet u are going to sit there and be hateful to families u don't even know. And as for "Patrick" I apologize but I don't think anyone can answer that question for you besides the actual offender, none of us know "Patrick" and what the whole story was about and what happen to him. And I honestly believe that everything happens for a reason even with Patricks, and Miguel's death and every other person that has died due to gang violence. Families are left with so many unanswered questions that turn into hate because they are looking for someone to blame but the truth of the matter is, that's the way god planned out their life or else they would still be here with their families and friends. Yes it's hard to accept that their lives were planned out in that way because again we are all left with so many unanswered questions.

— B Sept. 30, 2012 at 3:23 p.m.

I love how I'm getting advice from people who somehow laugh at the education I'm involved in. That just shows it all right there.

We in the normal minded, educated, tolerant world laugh at YOU who just don't get the point and continue to be negative all ways around. Normally, people like me remain above using insulting tactics like you have, but in this case, you all deserve it.

But don't worry, I'll make sure that Medicare is solvent long enough for you idiots to live comfortably in this country as you have the right to.

Gang violence is too much of a history lesson for all of you, and none of you are ambitious enough to learn about it. Keep posting bad comments to the deceased and their grieving families, and keep making yourself worse citizens. More trash for me to take out.

— A Sept. 30, 2012 at 10:44 a.m.

Meck, syscom3, Don't you have a life? Don't you go out and socialize, don't you have other things to do with yourself besides setting at a computer desk and coming to this site and commenting on all the blogs and terrorizing all these families ???? Do u have a wife or Gf, how about taking her out sometime I'm sure she's tired of you setting at that desk too!!! Or are you a lonely miserable person and have nothing better else to do?!

Sam: that was byfar worse than being harsh!! Don't you think that families think about how their deseaed family member died to the very second the gun went off, I'm sure they do and yes you are hateful for saying something like that to a family that's grieving!!! Not all families approve of the gang life style but because their family member chose that life that means they have to love them any less regardless of what or who they were?!!!! I'm not saying this young man was innocent but damn have some compassion for the family you don't know them from Adam and you don't know if they tried their best to get him out that life you don't know what happen to this young man, all we know is the bits and pecises that the LA times has reported.

— B Sept. 28, 2012 at 10:19 a.m.

Morales Family,

Have you heard about the 19 year old killed in the park by a gang member? He wasn't doing anything but sitting on the table. He was young, man looking forward to his future...killed by a gang member for no reason other than the gang member had a gun and nothing better to do....now go ahead and ask for compassion, empathy, consideration. Ask me why the majority think that no gang member should walk free...ask me why we are not sad when one of them is killed by their kind or not. But more importantly explain to me the whole you must be in to want to be a gang member? What is so lacking in your soul that you find it perfectly acceptable to walk up to some one sitting on a bench in the park? How do you decide that this one is the one? Is it the fact that he was the most vunerable? How do you separate the person that does this from the human being that comes home to you every night? How do you justify Miquel's crimes are perfectly okay and yet when he is killed the way he lived his life all of a sudden it becomes so very unfair? Why? How? I sit here wondering how to justify this 19 year old getting killed since you live in both worlds explain it to me. Because right now I have zero compasion for your situation, I didn't do this to my self I didn't support someone who was in a gang I don't know how to move on....you have lived in both worlds and are pefectly ok with it so help me understand.

— Patrick's friend Sept. 26, 2012 at 11:02 p.m.

@ so irritated,

I apologize for misleading you into thinking I am the same person as Meck and Syscom3. There are times when I have disagreed on their posts, but I still respect their opinions. Meck has stated many times he is a survivor of the streets, so to me, his opinion does have value and although he's a small number, is proof that YOU CAN break free. It appears as though many gangmembers CHOOSE otherwise.

Syscom3 states hard facts, many truths and sugar coats NOTHING. His posts are hard to read sometimes but maybe adhering to the message is what's needed. I'm not going to pretend it's easy; I can't imagine how hard it would be. But it isn't impossible, there is proof.

@ THE FAMILY PROTECTOR,

Putting myself in your shoes I could see how these arguments could be hurtful, but why do you suppose the monitors allow the dialog if only memories were allowed? The rest is thoughts and that's where you'll get opinions on the deceased based on how they lived their lives.

Personally, I wouldn't come on here if a family member of mine was killed. Especially if he was a gangmember, coming to grips with the fact that he may have contributed to the pain of who knows how many other families.

— mightymike33tm3 Sept. 21, 2012 at 3:19 p.m.

May I be the first to commend you on you're ongoing educational pursuits. But, before you get too full of yourself and you're superior education, understand that a great american scholar named Albert Einstein once said that college can be a place where pebbles are polished and diamonds are dimmed....So, which are you A? A polished pebble or a dimmed diamond? In answer to you're pontification regarding you're superior experience, I am a 40 year esident of south Los Angeles. I do volunteer. Hundreds of hours a year. I've seen GENERATIONS of gang members and their enablers from the same families....I have a degree if that makes me creditable to you. If not, fine. I can see by the emotion in you're posts that you are probably young, intelligent, passionate, motivated and.....green. God bless you.

— JSAM Sept. 20, 2012 at 5:25 p.m.

“Syscom3 condemns these people as deserving to die, a waste of our tax money, judges them as horrible prople based on affiliation, and harasses the family to boot.”

Name all the people I said deserved to die. You will be hard pressed over finding the three or so people I said exactly that, over the past 6 years. And they are a waste of tax payers money. Just what have they given back? The opportunity for law abiding people to become prison guards?

“In my work I have never once seen someone who many of you refer to as a "gang enabler", either.”

So what do we call the people who support the gangsters? The ones who tolerate the mayhem and terror? The ones who think violence is the norm. The ones will never say anything critical about these barbarians and what they have done to society?

“Until the ignorant people posting this crap get up off their chairs”

Did you just admit that the gang enablers and gangsters who post many of the sugar coated comments are the ignorant ones?

— syscom3 Sept. 19, 2012 at 10:17 p.m.

Like I said you already stated your opinion so why come back to upset the deseaed family??? It's obvious they will stuck up for their family no matter who or what they were when they were alive. And I totally agree with (so irritated) , mighty mike, syscom3, James and Meck are all the same person on everyone's blog how pathetic is that?!! Get a life and STOP harrassing people's families by coming back to all the blogs u post on saying the same thing.

And to let u pendejos know why I'm so against your NEGATIVITY on all these blogs you comment on; when my lil sister was 16 yrs old she was almost raped and possibly murdered but a "gangster" u know those "losers" "good for nothing" "domestic terrorist" saved my lil sisters life!!!! And till this very day that "gangster" has become a good friend to our family and no my family don't condone the gang life style but if it wasn't for that "gangster" we probably wouldnt have my sister. The man who attacked my sister was a white man going to college studying Radiology....a "good white man" descent" " had something going for his self"..... That's why it makes me angry that u come to this site profiling these people.

— Batz Sept. 19, 2012 at 3:43 p.m.

Souleil!!! who are to get on here and refer to Monique as a person you know! and give advice on your personal opionions on who her brother was. Yes he did chose his life style but it doesnt defer the fact that to his family they have these great memories of him or change the fact that he was a great son, brother, uncle grandson, nephew, cousin and friend and how can you sit there and assume just because he was labeled as a gang member that he did any of the things you pressumabley accuse him of doing. Yes this is a blog but have some respect for the family that does come on here you all go on several blogs and repeat yourselves over and over its just plain STUPID!! No one cares what you think you all need to get lives and find something other to do on the internet than entertain yourselves with posting idiotic comments. Why dont you survey the many victims her brother had if your so worried about..oh wait you dont know any because you didnt know him! I think your the ones who need to be more PROACTIVE with your life!

— You people are stupid Sept. 19, 2012 at 1:49 p.m.

Monique –

First of all, I’m sorry for the loss of your brother. But sadly the truth about who your brother really was is hurtful to accept. When any person makes a decision to join a gang they are signing for negative life-long consequences, including their own death. “yes he was a gang member but my brother did not to deserve to die the way he did.” So tell us, what type of death did your brother deserved? One in which he was to be surrounded by his family? Apparently he had that. One in which he was to be treated as a decent human being? Apparently he had that too AND completely UNDESERVED it. Why don’t you survey the many victims of your brother about what type of death he deserved. Your brother had a “better” death than most innocent human beings had when killed by gang members. “… he was still a young man 25 years old!!” a 25 year-old is old enough to think and do better in life. Old enough to reconsider his life and wrong doing and to place first the importance of HIS family over HIS gang. He obviously didn’t prioritize his wants and needs nor did he care much for himself and family.

Just move on with your life and accept who your brother really was, as painful as that might be. Do with your life the opposite of what he did and teach your children right and be there for them ALL the time, prevent another Miquel Morales from happening. So as long as you sit there and type how great of a person your brother was and blah blah blah, you will not do yourself any good. You need to be PROACTIVE with your life and with the lives of the ones that depend on you.

— Souleil Sept. 18, 2012 at 1:29 p.m.

Jsam, have you ever worked with a wide array of gang members in various areas? Are you currently enrolled in social work masters programs like I have done? You really have no bearing on what you're saying if you don't, and it's idiotic to say I'm wrong because I HAVE SEEN IT ALL AND YOU HAVE NOT. You, sir, are the one that is wrong. Syscom3 condemns these people as deserving to die, a waste of our tax money, judges them as horrible prople based on affiliation, and harasses the family to boot. That is not insightful or accurate WHATSOEVER. In my work I have never once seen someone who many of you refer to as a "gang enabler", either. Until the ignorant people posting this crap get up off their chairs, think outside the box, and stop being so afraid, they have absolutely NO RIGHT to say what is true and what is not.

— A Sept. 17, 2012 at 9:03 p.m.

Props for the volunteer work that you do. Believing that "most" gangbangers have no options or avenues for helping themselves is clearly looking at the issue with rose colored glasses suiting your false perception.. It's nice but doesn't afford any periphial vision. You need to get out in the street and see the majority that don't come to you for help or the ones you don't see. Or, most of them since you only have contact with a sliver of the gang population. Unfortunately, you are not accurate at all. The criminal element is what drives the average gang member. Not the lack of alternative options. Denial or lack of concern are the drivers for parents/family being the enablers they are. You may think what you will about Syscom, but he's accurate in his posts. Not warm and fuzzy, but neither are the people he's commenting about. To call him ignorant shows the very same thing in yourself. Call him mean, heartless, unforgiving, whatever but ignorant? No, sorry. Don't believe me? Ask the next gangbanger you "council" if he'd give up the life for a 15 dollar an hour job. He'll tell you he can't afford the pay cut. Get real. Also,most of Syscom's comments are to the family that ignores the terrorist in their family member and want to gush about their humanitarian qualities. Got to admit it gets a bit old hearing how wonderful these violent criminals were or how misunderstood they are. Tell it to the peole who's lives they terrorized and have no respect for.

— JSAM Sept. 17, 2012 at 4:49 p.m.

Mike, you are partially correct. Yes, once an individual is 18 they do have choices in how they want to go on with their lives. Do some, if not most, have the RESOURCES to get into a better area? NO. People who do not grasp this truth are blind to the facts and end up placing the blame on the actual victim and their family. It's sickening, ignorant, and completely one sided. True, there are ones that in some cases are beyond help, and it is their choice to refuse that help. However, most of these gang members have never been offered help in their entire lives. The ones I have worked with who have been presented with resources on getting out of their lifestyle claim they have not been looked at in a hopeful way in their lives. They say most people (including the ignorant ones on this blog) look at them as nothing more than a menace to society or a CDC number. When means of help are introduced, that is only when they can truly work on getting out of this horrible cycle.

Syscom3, take heed to what I write. You are probably the most ignorant individual I have ever heard of. YOU are contributing to this never ending cycle with your absolute evil negativity, and there is clear proof to show it. You are really a waste of humanity and what hinders this country from progressing as it should.

— A Sept. 17, 2012 at 2:32 p.m.

— Richie ; " .... the nice ganstas, the ones who love their families, treasure every moment with their babies and ... "

Sounds like an observation made at the Nuremburg war crime trials. The good Nazi's as opposed to the bad Nazi's. It was referred to as being the banality of evil.

There is no such thing as a good gangster. No matter what love they have for their own, they have an evil part of them that motivates them intent to kill or violently assault other people.

The only time these "good" traits are brought up is by a spokesman at their funeral (who will never say the bad things) or when they are a defendent and their lawyer is trying to save them from the death penalty.

You might have been referring to the "enablers". But they are one and the same as self declared gangster.

— syscom3 Sept. 17, 2012 at 12:29 p.m.

@ A,

Bless you for your volunteer work, it must be exhausting. It's sad that the hard work done by individuals such as yourself isn't more widely publicized. Not that it should be, but you have to admit the dark side of the streets in LA gets a ton more attention as opposed to those trying to make a change.

To defend my posts, I'm not greedy nor prejudice. Sure, there is a dark side of postings; in particular the ones who find humor in the demise of the deceased. It's safe to voice our opinions in the safety of our homes, yet that option is available to us for just that reason.

Am I wrong in thinking that once a child turns 18 he/she DOES have the option to defend his/her ability to raise a family in a safe environment as well as defend their lives and future with as much fortitude as they do their turf?

Again, you could probably publish a book on the answer to that alone. I don't know you, but I commend you and anyone who does what you do, trying to make a difference.

Godspeed.

— mightymike33tm3 Sept. 16, 2012 at 6:45 p.m.

@ A,

Legacy.com is a good place to post a memorial about the deceased. In fact it's quite beautiful in regards to respectful posts from those that knew and loved them.

Perhaps you are misunderstanding this site. This is nothing more than a report of a murder. Even if the names were omitted, the story is still there and we, as a free public have the right to post our opinions on the crimes.

As far as not knowing all the facts and activities that go on on the streets makes me feel far different from pathetic. You speak as though it's a badge of honor to see a lot of your friends and family die on the regular.

Once again, after reading thousands of these homicides, the pattern is there and the statistics are given on this site. The average age of death is 19! You can publish a book alone on just how wrong that is!

@ sad but true - Very well said! It's really hard not to get frustrated in the cycle. I don't condone cop shootings and in a lot of cases they are warranted, but I can't help but think about the frustrations THEY face trying to protect the innocent in an area riddled with the inability to change.

— mightymike33tm3 Sept. 15, 2012 at 8:19 a.m.

First off, I think we can all admit that gang members are responsible for much of the killings, maimings, robberies, beatings, etc. that happen. Unfortunately, after reading many of these blogs, it is apparent that those criminal gangstas aren't the ones being killed in the gang wars. It seems the ones who are being killed are the nice ganstas, the ones who love their families, treasure every moment with their babies and baby mommas, have great senses of humor and kool-aid smiles. As stated many times on these blogs, they don't deserve to die like that. I guess someone should do a study and find out why all of the good gangstas are getting zapped while the bad gangstas, the ones doing all of the killing and robbing and terrorizing are getting away scott free. It doesn't seem fair.

— Richie Sept. 14, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.

@ so irritated,

It took me 2 days to press enter on that last post because I really have a hard time being harsh. But I'm telling you, and those that are NOT in "the mix" can tell you, it's the family that are the enablers. When I read, "so what, so he was a gang member", my blood boiled. "So what?" How can that not make you sick? IT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE!!!

Is Mike's death acceptable to you? It doesn't sound like it is. So shouldn't the reason for his death hold the same weight?

As far as my opinion, I get it, it's like a-holes, you don't want to hear mine. That's fine, continue to swim in the circle with blinders ignoring the mere thought of any solutions. It isn't fair to society to accept what gangbangers do outside of their loving family home. If the roles were reversed you'd have to feel the same as "us" if you're human and care about people. Do you? Care about people you don't know?

As far as a job? I've had the same one for 25 years. Alone? I have 5 kids. That's truth, and what else is true is I will spend EVERY OUNCE of my being to ensure that my children are productive members of society. Even if that means moving to an island to get away from the pressures of whatever environment I ALLOWED THEM to absorb. That is my duty as a parent.

But enough preaching, enjoy your circle. If anything, it's certainly more fodder for us jobless, alone types who's opinion really doesn't matter.

Thanks for the "props" from the rest of you, I'm really not as good at telling the truth as you guys are. This one really weighed on me. ;)

— mightymike33tm3 Sept. 14, 2012 at 4:27 p.m.

I think this blog and others being used as a memorial is not right in itself. Just because he was killed due to gang violence his family gets to memorialize him in front of everyone? Its so true, all the same drama in other murders, read other stories. They live the life and in the end their loved ones want to paint a picture like it wasn't a possible outcome. C'mon! There is nothing correct about gang life! He is gone and its sad, sad that he chose to waste his life. Lets not act like it wasnt one of two roads like stated above, death or prison and like the potential of him causing harm or having caused harm to others wasnt also a reality. It is obvious his family condones the lifestyle so why expect any less of his sister. This is the ghetto and some people just dont know anything better. Gangs, drugs, illegitimate children....a cycle that never ends.

— sad but true Sept. 14, 2012 at 3:45 p.m.

:Meck & syscom3

As a matter of fact I did think of the difference that is why I put "different" no matter how you look at it a Sin is a Sin and NO sin is better than the other.

Also there are plenty of regular people in this world that are committing crimes just like if not worse than these young men in gangs; it's not just gangs that hurt people. For example, "James Holmes" has a Ph.D studied neuroscience (for the brain) went on a shooting rampage at movie theater with a AR-15 assault rifle, a shot gun, and a 40 caliber Glock handgun and HURT ALOT of INNOCENT people. So there u go proves my point don't judge

Crimes come from all races, and types of people; white, black, mexicans, asians, arabic, teachers, cops, doctors, preist, etc etc and the list goes on. Crimes will always be there.

— Sherry Sept. 14, 2012 at 2:34 p.m.

To: -??!
There isn't anything good to say about a dead gangbanger, you have to remember he wasn't a random victim of murder, he was a documented gangbanger with many enemies, he wasn't an innocent victim at the wrong place at the wrong time, this guy was a domestic terrorist preying on those that can't defend themselves, he belonged to a gang that does exactly what was done to him, so in the eyes of many he's guilty, yeah God has the final say, but so do we as law abiding citizens, I don't spend my spare time looking for ways to terrorize my neighborhood, that is what his gang did, he was a part of that how can anyone say anything good about someone who was into that, I sure can't I'll continue to say what I feel, if you don't like what people are saying get them out of the gang or stop reading this blog, I dislike gangs and anyone who is a bully.

— James Sept. 14, 2012 at 2:31 p.m.

Good point mightyMike the families of dead gangbangers always sing the same song and dance, he was a good person who loved everyone, he was never in a gang, he didn't deserve this. People it's time to wake up and get the big picture, if your son or daughter are in a gang there is a good chance they'll end up on this homicide report or like mightymike said in prison either way gangbanging is a dead end career. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out where you'll end up because of poor choices you young people make when it comes to joining gangs. If you want to be a part of something join the boys and girls club join the military a bible club a chess club anything just not a gang. If you think to yourself I'm in gang my homies got my back I'll never get shot I'm too smart to get caught slipping, your just kidding yourself. Just the other day I heard this idiot bragging about how he got shot in head and didn't die, he goes on to say that he'll never stop gangbanging and his enemies will never put him 6 feet under, I haven't seen him in awhile I guess he's enemies got the message and finished the job.

— Uncle Sam Sept. 13, 2012 at 7:59 p.m.

Let's see, the family admitted he was a gang member and followed it with, "so what?" He loved his family and friends. Of course he did, that's what they do, but they steady terrorize the innocent.

But that doesn't matter, because the innocent has nothing to do with those he loved, right? See the sick circle here?

There are only 2 endings, death or prison, leaving the family heartbroken either way. Take a couple of days and read the posts on this entire website. There are thousands that fit the same mould....
Had a big heart, koolaid smile, loved his friends and family, didn't deserve to die like this, rest in paradise, somebody’s brother, cousin, uncle, son, nephew, friend, sex slave, It's all the same.

Whoever shot Mike will end up the same way and their family will defend them just the same, without even knowing about THIS murder. But rest assured, they didn’t deserve to die like that either, right?

Perhaps you know of another family member that fits the pattern but is still alive... now would be a good time to prevent the inevitable.

To back up what I wrote, I didn't disrespect anyone, didn't judge anyone, I'm not looking for an argument; in fact it would be nice to know that someday there wouldn't be a need for a “Homicide Report”.

It's all around you, do you have the courage to try and stop it? Or will Junior follow in his late father’s footsteps? I’m not saying it’s easy, in fact the odds are that he will.

But so what? He loves his friends and family.

Right?

— mightymike33tm3 Sept. 12, 2012 at 12:27 p.m.

Hey Trurth is, bet you regret saying your little comments huh? From the outside looking in. Let me brake it down for you. The real truth is. That foo pursued Mikes lil sister. Homeboy is the one who did mike dirty by getting at his little sister who was only 14 in the first place. And lets jus be clear. He didnt have no family bfore that girl had his baby. From what i kno didnt she have his first kid? So how did she brake up a "HAPPY family" when there wasnt one in the first place? To come correct he would even use his girls car to go see her. To this very day he's still doing his thang. Man you gotta be real dumb to come up on this website and start confessin. Well I must admit. You did let out some truth. And hopefully eyes are now wide open.

— someone who knows Sept. 12, 2012 at 11:54 a.m.

Happy birthday my boy.. ...I Love And Miss You Gee .. T o Monique mija Get ahold of me ya at Notlketheothers@gmail.com I remember going to your house on grand and getting ready man my boy i waited for you that night you said palavra you were comming back and u had ur half for that pad we were getting but before you left you were like aye my boy hold my jacket .... but you go take care of it okay thats my jacket... and you gave me a hug and were like Ilove you my boy .. well i miss you Playa .. any how ....i can still feel you chilling with me i fking miss you Seeds .. lke i said you always had my back no matter what anyone of these hatters had to say ..loyal yup to the fullest well my boy rest in peace SKY IS THE LIMIT..OH AND LAST OF A DIEING BREED...

— Gee Aug. 11, 2012 at 1:25 p.m.

No farewell words were spoken, no time to say good-bye. You were gone before I knew it and only God knows why.
My heart still aches in sadness and secret tears still flow, what it meant to lose you, no one will ever know.

Brother I try & try each day to try & feel happy again but I can't !!! NO ONE understands this heart ache & pain we feel !!! You were tooken from us so fast !!!! I just wish I could hug u again hug u so tight and never let go you were my everything ! & for some one to think they can just take you away from your family is so wrong ! But I know your in HEAVEN BROTHER , smiling down at us :) with that beautiful smile everyone rememebers that smile of yours !
Like u always said big brother

" HATED BY FEW "
" LOVED BY MANY "
"RESPECTED BY ALL"

"Kirko bangz" Drank in my cup ! I can't still hear you bumping that getting ready saying sister what you know about drank in my cup ? Lol you always had your way of making me laugh and smile :( & I'll never forget that !!!!

I LOVE YOU ALWAYS BROTHER !! Always !!

— Monique July 31, 2012 at 1:53 p.m.

It's been almost 2 months that you have passed away and we MISS YOU, it hurts to think that we won't see you again. I will always remember the fun times Monique and I had with you, drinking, laughing and clowning around, "HOOCHIE MAMA" and "SHE'S A BAD MAMA JAMA" :) lol ... And that Friday night before you passed away we all went out to the club and seeing you so happy and drinking, dancing you were out of your element yet you were so HAPPY having a good time. ❤ I'll never forget our conversation we had that night, I'll never forget what you told me. I'll cherish that for the rest of my life because I know you meant it. Like others have said and I personally know myself you were the REALIST & LOYAL with a BIG HEART!!! There was nothing shady about you... I Love you Mikey I will always cherish all the memories of you ❤

May you Rest In Paradise

— Cindy July 20, 2012 at 3:07 p.m.

For the people who have no respect saying my brother was a loser for being a gang memeber or that's what happens to them , it shouldn't matter who they are or what they do no one should ever be killed the way my brother did , have some respect ! No matter who my brother was out in the streets he was our brother , friend , && dad at home , you need to go some where else with all that negative talk ! My brother was the realist , loyal person you could have ever met && it hurts to know he's gone just like that , brother I miss you so much you don't understand how it hurts ! I walk around the house like nothing happened because I'm still waiting for the day you come home to hear you say "sister need money or can you put songs on my phone " I'm still waiting for you to pick me up to go shoe shopping ! I'm waiting for you Mikey :/ no one understands :/ I miss you :/ Ill always love you <3.
-your little big sister like you would say <3 :c

— Nicole July 18, 2012 at 10:38 p.m.

My Dearest Primo,
I will never forget the late night, waking up the pounding on my front door. Then hearing the words, "Mikey got shot and it's really bad". All I could think of was getting to the hospital ASAP. When we all arrived to the hospital with my Tia, my Mom and Monique and they placed us in the family waiting room, I knew. I knew that you didn't make it. Since that very moment, life has not been the same for us. We all sit around with our wondering thoughts of who could be so heartless and hateful to take you away from us, they way that they did. You were not only my cousin, but my big brother. I pray and hope that justice will be served and our family will feel peace within our hearts again. And to those with the negative comments saying that my cousin is a loser because he was a gang member, was not the best choice of words for a grieving family to read. No matter how he chose to live his life. He was an amazing, loving and loyal person with a "big heart". So like my cousin Monique says " Get the hell on with yourself". Love you mo!
I will forever love and miss you Mikey.

— Briana July 1, 2012 at 3:14 p.m.

To all of you who say my brother was a known gang member , yes he was a gang member but my brother did not to deserve to die the way he did ! No one should die that way . So for all of u probably saying that's the" gang life " get the hell on with your selfs . My brother was a loyal person the only loyal person I know he was true to his FAMILY! & his friends ! Just like that song by 2 PAC u ain't never had a friend like me that's my brother !!!! I wish no one feels the pain and hurt me my mom an family are feeling !!! No one deserves to go through this !!!!!! So everyone with your
Negative thoughts get the hell on with yourselfs!!!!!! Respect the fact that my brother was a human being just like all of us , & just because he was a gang member this case shouldn't be treated any diff from someone who wasn't a gang member he was still a young man 25 years old !! Too young to be taken from his family !!

Love you always and forever brother !!! Always !!!!

— Monique June 18, 2012 at 2:01 p.m.