Loved ones continue legacy of coach slain on Christmas in Pasadena

Last Chritmas, a youth sports coach and mentor was caught in the middle of a drive-by shooting. Victor McClinton was killed outside his Pasadena home while greeting holiday visitors. His death resonated across the community. But instead of wallowing in grief, loved ones are working to make sure the organization he started that help kids carries on.

Pamela Simmons is a board member of the Brotherhood Crusade Youth Sports League, the organization McClinton started nearly 20 years ago.

 “We’re all still so touched," Simmons said. "We all still feel the pain.”

McClinton, a sheriff's law enforcement technician, grew up in Watts, without a mom or dad. He found guidance from his grandmother and the sports coaches who mentored him through his adolescence. That led him to start the sports league for kids who either cannot afford to play organized sports or are looking for positive adult role models.

Today, Simmons says the sport group continues, spreading McClinton's message of charity.

“Paying it forward, moving it on," she said. "(McClinton) had always been a big believer in that.”

The first Victor McClinton 5K run is scheduled for March to commemorate his life and dedication to kids.

Another man in his 20s was wounded in the shooting. Two men, Larry Bishop and Jerron Harris, are awaiting trial on murder charges.