A story for every victim

Thomas Riley, 16 [Updated]

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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