Murder charges dismissed in fatal shooting of teen in Watts

Jan. 22, 2016, 3:58 p.m.

A murder case against three men was dismissed last week after the prosecutor said in court that she was “unable to proceed,” according to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office.

Donald Ray Byrd IV, 20, Vernon Taron Warren III, 20, and Dameon Dakwon Jackson III, 21, were all charged with murder in the Sept. 27 shooting death of Elijah Galbreath in Watts.

The prosecutor on the case declined to comment further. The three men were released from the L.A. County Jail Jan. 14, according to online Sheriff’s Department records.

Galbreath was walking west on East 103rd Street when he was shot. Police said the killing remains under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Criminal Gang Homicide Division at (323) 786-5111. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

Contact the Homicide Report. Follow @nicolesantacruz and @latimeshomicide on Twitter.

Six reader comments

This is the worst news one could ever hear. The justice system are allowing human beings to be murdered and instead of a punishment they choose to release these evil individuals back into the community. These individuals have no soul, as they killed this teenager in front of a church. This truly disgusts me and causes me to question whether the justice system cares about the los angeles community. As for the prosecutor why jump on a case that your afraid of. Now you've allowed individuals to walk free and your probably a careless human being as well. Think if this were your child you would be outraged at the thought of another prosecutor not fighting to put evil individuals behind bars. Now we give them the chance to enjoy life instead of a punishment. But they will get what they deserve and I hope soon. As for Elijah you will stay in my prayers and I will pray everynight that justice is brought forth in any which way possible. R.I.P Eli.

— anonymous May 27, 2016 at 9:41 p.m.

I am very angry about what happened in Compton Courthouse! Why would they released those three suspects? They were sure that they had the right ones but on January 14th they released them. Everybody afraid of some cowards calling it snitching, the Police have paid informants three young men walking around among us and we don't know if they will strike again. I guess the Judge was afraid for his life having to leave Compton and he should be. I am just appalled by how they conduct business at the Compton Courthouse! They want these murderers to kill some more of our aspiring young black men. Watts Black genocide. Now you want to complain about the filthy water eat drink and be merry for who knows tomorrow you may die and nobody is going to care!

— Barbara AKA Granny May 16, 2016 at 5:32 p.m.

The Homicide Report

Murder charges dismissed in fatal shooting of teen in Watts

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Six reader comments