A business employee in Florence-Graham was shot and killed Thursday evening after confronting two armed suspects who had entered the business, exchanged gunfire with the worker, and then fled the scene. The shooting happened around 7:30 p.m. on the 2000 block of Nadeau Street, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
Deputies described the incident as an apparent homicide, as reported by MyNewsLA.com. A witness said two armed suspects entered the business, and the sheriff's department said the pair exchanged gunfire with an employee who confronted them. Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel pronounced the victim dead at the scene.
The witness reportedly fled to the back of the building during the confrontation. Investigators said the two armed suspects fled the location following the exchange of gunfire, and no further information was immediately available as of the Friday report. The shooting remains under investigation, and Nadeau Street was closed off while sheriff's deputies and other officials worked the scene.
Florence-Graham's Community Profile
Florence-Graham is an unincorporated 3.5-square-mile census-designated place in South Los Angeles County, home to 63,132 residents, according to the County of Los Angeles. The county's data shows 22% live below the federal poverty level.
Homicide Bureau Investigates Case
Florence-Graham is an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County. The Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau is investigating the case.
This is not the first deadly shooting LASD homicide detectives have worked in the immediate area. In February, 33-year-old Gabriel Ramirez was killed in a fatal shooting on the nearby 1700 block of Firestone Boulevard, a case that led detectives to release suspect composite sketches the following month, according to MyNewsLA.com. Hoodline also reported in May on a triple slaying on Firestone Boulevard that left three men dead.
Steep Legal Exposure if Suspects Are Caught
If the two armed suspects are identified and arrested, they could face serious charges under California law. Under Penal Code Section 189, a death during a commercial robbery or burglary can support a first-degree murder charge only if the defendant was the actual killer, intended to kill while aiding the killer, or was a major participant who acted with reckless indifference to human life. First-degree murder carries a potential sentence of 25 years to life in state prison, according to Bulldog Law.
Separately, Penal Code Section 211 classifies armed robbery as a violent felony strike offense. Personally and intentionally discharging a firearm during a robbery, when that discharge causes great bodily injury or death, can result in a consecutive sentence of 25 years to life, per Wallin & Klarich. Under the statute, California's firearm-enhancement framework adds prison time on top of the underlying robbery or murder sentence for gun violence.
Detectives Seek Witnesses as Investigation Continues
Witnesses and anyone with information are encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500.
Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can also submit information through L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers by phone or online. The Thursday shooting adds to fatal gun violence cases across South L.A., including fatal shootings in Lynwood and a fatal shooting in Willowbrook that remains under investigation.
