Steven Douglas Runnel, 49

Steven Douglas Runnel, a 49-year-old Black man, was shot and killed Tuesday, July 7, in the 1800 block of East 105th Street in Watts, according to coroner’s records.

Shortly after 8 p.m., Runnel was standing in front of a home hanging out with other people, said Los Angeles police Det. Nathan Kouri. A dark-colored sedan drove up, stopped a few houses down and a person inside began shooting in the direction of the group, Kouri said.

Runnel and a man in his 20s were struck. Runnel was pronounced dead at 8:20 p.m. at the scene, according to coroner’s records. The other man is expected to survive. 

The sedan drove off in an unknown direction, police said. 

Runnel, a barber and father of eight, died around the corner from his shop. The green building has no signage out front and is known in the neighborhood simply as "Steve's," said Jeffrey Rencher, Runnel's longtime friend. 

Rencher met Runnel three decades ago, he said, when Runnel cut his hair for the first time. 

The two bonded over a shared love for basketball and baseball -- but especially the Raiders, who were still in Los Angeles at the time. 

Standing near the sidewalk where his friend had killed, Rencher took off his baseball cap to show his hair, retreating at the temples and a bit longer than he'd like. In the 30 years he knew Runnel, no one else has touched it. 

"Now, I might grow dreadlocks," he said. "I don't know if I can let anyone else cut my hair."

Anyone with information is asked to call (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.