Young Father Killed In Compton After Confronting Suspect Who Stole Then Crashed U-Haul Truck
COMPTON (CBSLA.com) — Homicide detectives Friday investigated the shooting death of a man in Compton.
Just after 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, deputies were sent to the 15600 block of South Washington Avenue for report of a gunshot victim, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
Upon their arrival, authorities discovered a 28-year-old black man lying on the street, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.
Paramedics pronounced the victim dead at the scene. He has been identified as Leon Scott, a mechanic and father of two young children.
According to witnesses, the victim confronted the driver of a U-Haul truck after he saw the truck back into his car. The driver of the U-Haul drove off and the victim chased him a short distance.
A preliminary investigation revealed the driver of the U-Haul truck exited the vehicle and shot Scott. The driver then fled from the area on foot, leaving the truck behind.
Detectives are currently searching for the murder weapon and the suspect.
On Friday evening, KCAL9's Rachel Kim spoke to Geneva Scott, the dead man's wife.
She wants the suspect to come forward. and turn himself in.
"You need to turn yourself in and you need to apologize to every single one of us because we loved him and he loved us," Geneva said
She also wanted to share with Kim why the loss is so devastating.
"He loved me so much, he loved our children. Our son is 5, our daughter is 2. He was all about taking care of us," Geneva said.
Neighbor Rosa Alvarado heard the shots and began recording video on her cellphone.
"We heard some gunshots and then I heard a lady screaming. So when I went outside, she was screaming 'My husband is dead, my husband is dead'", said Alvarado.
"I know he's gone, but I just want him to come home," Geneva said.
Tonight on Washington Avenue there's a glowing reminder of the life tragically taken away.
Investigators have determined that the U-Haul truck was stolen. They're working with witnesses to try and identify the suspect.
If you have any information, you're asked to call the LA County Sheriff's Dept. Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.