The Los Angeles City Council will be asked Tuesday to approve a $75,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the killers of a 5-year-old in the backyard of a South L.A. home as he prepared to trick-or-treat.
"This is a crime against this family and a crime against this entire community," said Councilwoman Jan Perry, who is proposing the award.
Aaron Shannon Jr. died about 10 p.m. Monday after being declared brain-dead at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, said his grandfather William Shannon.
An autopsy was pending and should be performed in the next few days, said Lt. Cheryl MacWillie, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County coroner's office.
Aaron had run into the backyard of the home in the 1000 block of East 84th Street to show off his Spider-Man Halloween costume to his grandfather and uncle when two young men, who police say were gang members, began shooting from the alley.
Aaron was struck in the back of the head; his uncle was hit in the leg and his grandfather on the wrist. Aaron's grandfather told The Times he saw two men in their 20s walking in the alley behind the home.
He said he nodded to acknowledge them, then heard gunshots and saw a gunman point his weapon at him and other relatives. The neighborhood is an active gang area with many rivalries, though the family has no gang connections, police said.
The area near the killing is claimed by the Swans Bloods gang, and nearby rivals include the Kitchen Crip gang. Capt. Dennis Kato, who oversees the 77th Street Station, could not hide his emotions.
"We should be angry," said Kato, his voice echoing disgust. "We have failed as a community to provide that security for Aaron."
Police ask anyone with information to call 77th Division Criminal Gang/Homicide detectives at 213-485-1383. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 877-LAPD-24-7. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).
Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads). All text messages should begin with the letters "LAPD." Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on the Crime Stoppers image, then "webtips" and follow the prompts.
