William Dion Carter, 38

June 25, 2014

William Dion Carter, a 38-year-old black man, was shot and killed Wednesday, June 25, in the 5300 block of West Century Boulevard in Westchester, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records.

About 12:15 p.m., Carter and another man walked into Nature’s Cure, a marijuana dispensary, and shot at a security guard in an attempt to commit a robbery, said Los Angeles Police Det. Scott Masterson.

The security guard fired back, striking Carter, who then fled west on West Century Boulevard and collapsed in front of the Westin Hotel. Carter was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:40 p.m., said Ed Winter, a spokesman with the coroner’s office.

The other man -- later identified by police as Jermal Akins, 31 -- ran east on West Century Boulevard, then returned to the scene to retrieve his car, Masterson said. Akins, who is black, was arrested on suspicion of murder June 26, Masterson said.

The security guard had minor injuries that did not require hospitalization, and no one else in the clinic was injured, Masterson said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the West Homicide Bureau at (213) 382-9470. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

-- Los Angeles Times staff

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40 reader comments

Drey, Bella, Jason, and any positive post that are written I appreciate your words of encouragement and the fact that you knew Will (Dion) Carter as a friend, a father, a husband and a good person. Those of you who chose to find him guilty based on the alegations made, that's your perogative. I was not there, neither were any of you. There is no proof that he was armed, or shot at any one, and as far as him being a terrorist or being involved in other robberies is ludicrous. We are so quick to add fuel to the fire when we don't even know what the hell happened. None of us were there. I don't condone violence toward anyone and I'm certainly glad that the guard nor anyone else family had to bury or grieve their love one. But for the record Mr. Carter and Mrs.Carter were gainfully employed. The number of children they chose to have was their business. We are a family that always looks out for each other and his wife and children will always have what they need. Be careful little mouths what you say, be careful little hearts what you feel cause all of our families are disfunctional and there are no perfect people, no not one. We are quick to judge, there is only one judge (says the Word of God) the shoe might one day be on the other foot. We will never get over it but we will get through it simply because we have an intimate relationship with the Lord. The word of God when studied and is understood takes a way the ignorance of mankind. So with all of that said William Dion Carter will forever be in our hearts, and we are blessed to have shared a life with him for we know the person that he was. For spectators, critic's, your comments matter less, just make sure your love ones don't disappoint you or you them. I am satisfied that I have a heart that would console any child, sister, brother, mother, father, wife, friend or any family member during a loss. Where is your heart? But oh well that's between you and God if you serve him!

— Jean SaffoldLester Dec. 29, 2014 at 7:25 p.m.

The Homicide Report

William Dion Carter, 38

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40 reader comments