Thomas Riley, 16 [Updated]

Feb. 28, 2011, 9:09 a.m.

Thomas Riley, a 16-year-old black male, died Sunday, Feb. 27, after being shot in the 1700 block of West 105th Street in Westmont, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Ed Winter, a spokesman for the coroner's office, said Thomas was shot and taken to county Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, where he died at 10:53 a.m.

The coroner's office had no other information about the case.

A reader contacting the Homicide Report said Thomas was a student at Carson High School in Carson.

The Times has contacted investigators to obtain additional details about the case and will post an update as soon as possible.

[Updated March 1: Sheriff's homicide Det. Dan McElderry, who is handling the case, said Thomas was with three other people when two men walked up about 10:20 a.m. and began shooting.

In addition to Thomas, a 14-year-old boy was shot and taken to the hospital, McElderry said. The youth did not suffer life-threatening injuries, but is still in the hospital.

The shooters were last seen running from the area toward Western Avenue, officials said.

They were described as black males 19 to 24 years old.

McElderry said Thomas and the other shooting victim were not gang members and the motive for the shooting remains unknown.

Anyone with information about the killing or the identity of the shooters is asked to contact McElderry or Det. Kevin Acebedo at (323) 890-5500. Tipsters who would like to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.]

-- Sarah Ardalani

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47 reader comments

Thomas was always nd always will be my brother. i looked out for him when he needed me. and it pains me that i wasnt there to protect him.i wud have sacrafice my life for his any day. he was a great person on the inside . i knew i cud always turn to my lil bro to tlk to.he loved his skate boarding. i made sure he stayed out of trouble in school.and i dont no why anyone would do this.i wish who ever did this would confess. he didnt even live long enough to meet my son.its sa when our young black youth dies or ignorance,and i pray that the lord will give us sum relief. i need to kno who did this so we can all see what senseless nigga did this.well ive always had very good memories with him.and i miss him dearly.and i kno that hes doing just fine.bt no one should ever die this young. i Love you so much bam bam.

Love,
Pebbles! =*

— Shakeema Love March 30, 2011 at 6:14 p.m.

i met thomas my first day of 9th grade and from that very day on we just clicked he became my lil brother and i gave him the name of riley i never called him thomas and anyone else who thought that they he could call him riley he was sure to put hem in there place,man i swear knowing that i will never hear him laugh at me anymore and laugh together with him just messes me up in the inside , ha i remeber just a week before he checked out of my school we had a rap battle in the middle of the class , i can see him now mad cause of the tears people are letting out for him cause i remeber him sayin when i die i want everybody to be happy and throw a party in remeberence of me, so just 4 you thats what we gone do lil bro love you always and forever t.y

— t.y Feb. 28, 2011 at 1:48 p.m.

The Homicide Report

Thomas Riley, 16 [Updated]

Share a memory or thought about Thomas Winston Riley

47 reader comments