This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Marijuana Store Robberies in Echo Park, Hollywood Leave 2 Dead
Two similar businesses in two neighborhoods with two murders. The LAPD is trying to determine if two medical marijuana dispensary robberies gone awry yesterday are connected.
At 4:15 p.m. on Thursday, a Echo Park pot shop on the 1300 block of Sunset Boulevard was violently robbed, leaving one person dead and another wounded. Five hours later, another shooting at a dispensary a few miles away on the 1600 block of North El Centro Avenue left another dead.
The LA Times warns that this could add fuel to the debate about the facilities. "The shootings are sure to increase debate about medical marijuana businesses around L.A. Critics say there are far too many and claim the businesses generate crime." When people tried to use that last year, it was refuted when the LAPD brought out the crime statistics.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
