Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
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.
Inglewood Man in Wheelchair Shot and Killed by Vandals
An Inglewood man in a wheelchair was killed early Sunday morning after an apparent shooting. Sergio Velez, 48, was found dead by authorities around 2:20am in the 900 block of South Osage Avenue near Prairie Avenue in Inglewood with bullet wounds in his head and back.
CBS LA reports that Velez, who shared a home with his wife, sons and grandchildren, awoke to vandals throwing flower pots through their windows. Their car tires had also been slashed and their walls covered in graffiti. After calling the police, Velez went outside to investigate. His body was soon found three blocks away from the home.
The family suspects local gang members of the vandalism and murder. Velez's son, Arnoldo Velez, said gangs are active in the area, adding that the family has previously shooed suspicious people away from the property.
"I wish I could have held him back and told him don't go," said Arnoldo.
Support for LAist comes from
Inglewood police are on the hunt for suspects. The shooting is the seventh homicide in Inglewood this year, according to the L.A. Times. Anyone with additional information is urged to call Inglewood Police at 310-412-5240.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Children asked to waive right to see a judge in exchange for $2,500 -
There’s still a lot to be determined as the refinery, which supplies about one-fifth of Southern California's vehicle fuels, works to restore production and as data is collected. -
The FCC voted to end E-Rate discounts for library hotspot lending and school bus Wi-Fi. -
About half the Pacific Airshow’s 2025 lineup has been grounded because of the federal government shutdown. -
USC says it’s reviewing the letter also sent to eight other prestigious schools nationwide. California's governor vowed that any California universities that sign will lose state funding. -
Scientists say La Niña is likely, but that doesn’t necessarily mean a dry winter in Southern California.
Best of LAist