Tyree Kelker, 32

June 15, 2012

Tyree Kelker, a 32-year-old black man, was shot and killed Friday, June 15, in the 1000 block of West 109th Place in Westmont, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Sheriff homicide Det. Q. Rodriguez, who is handling the case, said deptuies received 911 calls regarding an “assault with a deadly weapon, gunshot victim down” about 11:30 p.m.

When authorities arrived, they discovered Kelker with a gunshot wound and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Coroner's records show Kelker suffered a gunshot wound to the head.

Rodriguez said it appears the incident was a walk-up shooting. The assailant was described as a dark-skinned male black between the ages of 24 and 25.

Kelker was a documented gang member, Rodriguez said, the shooting is believed to be gang-related.

Anyone with information about the killing is asked to contact Det. Rodriguez at the sheriff's homicide bureau at (323) 890-5500. Tipsters wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Los Angeles Times

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Nine reader comments

Wow. It hurts to know that Tyree isn't here anymore. I miss my homie. We were good friends in high school & over the years we had fallen out of touch. I always searched for him online, trying to link back up. searching for him on facebook is how I found this. He wasn't your average, random person. He was a good guy. Loyal. Authentic. Business minded. Growing up in LA when we did making it to 25 was unusual. He had made it, I wish he could have stayed on earth longer. We met when his mom moved to rialto, in high school. I was in a group home out there. We were both from LA, from to different neighborhoods that didn't get along, but Tyree didn't care & we always hung out. He had my back & I had his. Everybody liked Tyree!! He had no enemies!! After high school we wrote each other but fell out of touch. Wish I found him sooner. He was a little dude, they could have beat him up....killing him was stupid!! I know he is in heaven bringing happiness there. Mannnnnnn! RIP to a real one.

— Jason K May 15, 2013 at 11:21 a.m.

Absolutlykrazy...
What makes you think my parents didn't teach Tyree about the dangers of gangs and the consequences of gang life? My brother was raised in the church and knows right from wrong. Let's get that straight. I have to agree that this is the life he chose, but it is unintelligent for you to make assumptions about his up bringing. For the record my family was not only left with sorrow. We were also left with good memories and thoughts of happier times. Tyree left his lifestyle in the streets. He never brought it home with him. We knew he was "involved" but at home he was simply a good son, brother, nephew, cousin, father, and friend and today his family will lay him to rest today as such. No matter what he was "labeled" by society or this newspaper, as family and friends, we know better. Thank You for your comment.

— Kahlinah G. June 30, 2012 at 7:03 a.m.

The Homicide Report

Tyree Kelker, 32

Share a memory or thought about Tyree Kelker

Nine reader comments