Unique Russell, 14 [Update]

July 4, 2012

Unique Russell, a 14-year-old black girl, was shot and killed Wednesday, July 4, in the 1300 block of West 97th Street in Westmont, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

The shooting occurred at 97th Street and Normandie Avenue about 10:20 p.m., the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department reported. Unique Russell, a 12-year-old girl and a 21-year-old man -- were with a group of people when two men walked up and opened fire, authorities said.

The victims were taken to an area hospital, where Unique later died, authorities said. The other girl and the man remain in the hospital but their condition was not known.

Details of the incident were still developing, but KTLA reported that the group was watching fireworks when the shooting happened.

A detailed description of the suspects was not available, and authorities said the motive of the shooting was still not known.

They ask anyone with information about the attack to contact the sheriff’s homicide bureau at (323) 890-5500. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

[Updated December 14, 2012: 1 arrested, 1 sought in July 4 killing of Unique Russell]

-- Kate Mather

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32 reader comments

— Sysdumb3 ; There are no similarities between lawfully elected and accountable officials and the sociopaths we call gangsters. So unless being stupid while serving in an elected position is actually a punishable crime, calling them gangsters is intellectual dishonest.

Our elected leaders have the authority to use violence as allowed for by law. It's sanctioned by law and has the implicit moral authority (as provided by the people) to use it if required. Gangs have no authority to do such a thing. And that's why they are criminals. Society never gave them the right to use violence, and we expect them to be punished for their acts.

And as to your comment "who do we blame for the killings that we continue to hear about in Iraq?" That's easy. Its Iraqi on Iraqi killings going on. Sectarian hatred. That has nothing to do with the US. Don't you ever read the LA Times news section about that violence?

"However you voted these GANGSTERS into office". Please find the direct quote(s) from me that says who I voted for and when.

If there is anything else you need to know, let me know.

— syscom3 Oct. 2, 2012 at 7:30 p.m.

— Tasha ; isn't this country great? Ever since the first "letters to the editors" page was printed since our constitution was adopted; everyone has been free to give their opinion and commentary as their conscience dictates.

As for my voting for change? I do that every election. If my circumstances aren't better every 6 years, I vote differently.

"This is a tragedy to say the least. Her death had nothing "political" to so with it.".

Her death has everything to do with politics. She lived in a killing field neighborhood that tops the list of every single urban pathology indicator. Even at its most basic, the income levels of those who live there, are dictated by micro and macro economic policies. And that can be changed through voting habits.

So I repeat. If you are tired of the carnage; don't blame me. Start on election day and start demanding answers from the do nothing elected representatives.

— syscom3 Sept. 8, 2012 at 1:32 p.m.

Again, Condolences to the family of this young lady.

@Ann, this is not the platform for a debate, but I must comment on some of your remarks. First of all, Im from South LA, born and raised. Im a former gang member myself so I know that I am well qualified to give input on the the conditions of these communities thats suffering from this genocide.

I dont need to see any gang documentary, I see the real thing everyday in real life. And I see you missed my point, the days of "marches, speeches" etc..etc.. are over. We have talked enough, and held signs up with the famous slogans, while these candlelight vigils are popping up more and more.

My only point is first, we need to get our own children in order, and those for peace, specifically the Men in our communities need to stratagize and become the protectors of our communities the best way possible, with the goal of saving as many lives as we can.

— Akil July 16, 2012 at 10:30 p.m.

@ Akil and A, While we are all saddened by the death of this young lady and all of the innocent people whose lives have been taken and end up on this homicide report. Neither one of you are from the Urban Area. I can tell by your words. If these decent people that live in these areas could read the mind of a gang banger and know that they are going to walk up in then fire there gun at innocent people, I think they would be prepared, it's truly no way of knowing when and who is going to be the next victim. Just like those 8 innocent people that were killed in Seal Beach last year in the beauty salon. Who would have thought. What I am trying to convey to you is Please don't come on the HR and try and make it seem as if the people are allowing this to happen in their neighborhood. We are all accountable for our own actions. Watch the gang documentaries that come on the discovery channel. These good people in this area do have Marches, Meeting etc about the crimes in their neighborhood, but at the end of the day We all only have control over what we do, not what others do.

— Ann July 13, 2012 at 11:51 p.m.

Condolences to the family of this beautiful young girl.

The time is long overdue that those us in these neighborhoods get out our houses and help to end this genocide against our people. There are more of us in these neighborhoods who are not involved in the gangs or the violence that is rampant in our communities and more importantly, the MEN who are for peace must get involved NOW! And Im not talking about no speeches or marches.

Too many of us are afraid to get out in the trenches and stand up to these that make it unsafe for the youth to play in their own yards, parks etc..etc.. Make it unsafe for our elderly to walk the streets. Many of us stay silent and are afraid to stand up against these that are responsible for most of these tragedies on this "homicide report".

There is a attitude among many in our community that since its not "our" children being killed, or their home is not effected at the time, many tend to not care and carry on with their personal lives everyday. This could be any of our children, loved ones who are dying daily so we all need to get involved.

The righteous Black/Brown men in these hoods need to get out and stratagize on a plan to implement some type of patrol in these hoods permantly, and stand up against ANYbody who is against peace in our community. If those of us for peace have to lose our life defending our neighborhoods for the next generation to live in peace then so be it! Only till then will this madness stop. Again, condolences and prayers to the families of this young girl, and all of those on this "homicide report".

— Akil July 11, 2012 at 9:29 p.m.

The Homicide Report

Unique Russell, 14 [Update]

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32 reader comments