It's been over five years since the murder of Dominic Ladon Gooden on the streets of Los Angeles, and the perpetrators remain shadows, slipping through the fingers of justice. The Los Angeles Police Department's South Bureau Homicide Division has not let the case go cold, though. They are steadfast, continuing to seek the aid of the public in tracking down leads.
Gooden was gunned down on July 28, 2020, in daylight, while on the 1300 block of West 69th Street. The assailants, after firing the fatal shots, vanished as quickly as they appeared, leaving a community in mourning and a family seeking answers. In a push to gather information that may lead to a break in the case, a $50,000 reward has been set by the Los Angeles City Council, an effort to coax whispers from the silence of those who might know something. The monetary incentive is for any tip that results in the identity, arrest, and prosecution of those responsible, according to LAPD Online.
Investigators are also seeking information on two vehicles believed to be connected to the shooting. The first is a gray 2013 Nissan Sentra, the second, a silver 2005 Mercedes-Benz C-320. Both cars are four-door sedans, and any details that might lead to their whereabouts are considered crucial to the investigation.
The LAPD has made multiple avenues available for those looking to offer information. Detective Franco can be reached directly at 323-786-5128. After hours, or during weekends, the LAPD can be contacted at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247.) For those opting to remain anonymous, the LA Regional Crime Stoppers is an available resource at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477), or through their website. The "P3 Tips" mobile application also stands as a discreet option for submitting tips, where individuals can select LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.
Five years on, the reward offer stands as a beacon of hope, an encouragement for justice in a case that has left a void in the heart of a community. Information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, could serve as the key to unlocking this prolonged mystery and bringing closure to those affected by the sudden and tragic loss of Dominic Ladon Gooden.
