Father Fatally Stabbed In Jefferson Park Remembered At Christmas Eve Vigil
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Loved ones were gathered Tuesday night to remember a husband and father killed last week in Jefferson Park.
Police say 35-year-old William Jennings was walking in the 3300 block of West Jefferson Boulevard at about 11:30 p.m. Friday when a man confronted him with a knife.
Investigators say he was slashed once in the head and stabbed in the torso, and was pronounced dead at the scene.
He is survived by his wife, a 17-year-old step-son and an 11-year-old daughter, who was among those who spoke at a gathering in his memory on Christmas Eve.
"The guy took my dad away from me. My dad he didn't deserve to go like this," Armani Jennings said. "He took my heart."
Dozens of candles burned on the sidewalk as loved ones gathered around Armani at the scene of the incident.
Levi Barnes, among mourners, told police he's seen the suspect before, and recognized the knife he appeared to use.
"I want the guy to just turn himself in that did this," he said. "It was like one of those 'Crocodile Dundee' knives... You couldn't help but recognize it."
Police have released surveillance footage of the incident, hoping anyone with information would come forward.
Jennings' father said his son was in a humble position with his arms out when he was attacked.
"I'm still in shock. It's almost as if it didn't happen," William Jennings, Sr. said.
Detectives describe the suspect in Jennings' death as a black male, approximately 30-40 years old, between 5'8" and 6'0" and approximately 180 pounds.
Anyone with information is asked to call Criminal Gang/Homicide Division, Detective Paul Funicello or Matt Courtney at (213) 485-4341. Tips can also be submitted online via the LAPD website using "Anonymous Web Tips."
