Los Angeles Shooting: One Killed, Another Injured

A Los Angeles shooting left one man killed and another one injured Wednesday night. According to ABC News Los Angeles, police have identified the deceased man as 36-year-old John Matthews.

The shooting reportedly happened in the 8800 block of South Vermont Avenue shortly before 7 pm outside of the 88th Street Temple Church of God in Christ. A church security guard was also shot and injured.

This news comes shortly after The Inquisitr reported on a stabbing that took place in San José. According to that report, a heated argument outside of the Fairmont hotel in downtown San José led to the stabbing of one man who was later pronounced dead from his injuries. The unidentified man was reportedly found in the 100 block of South Market Street. While his name has yet to be released to the public, police did say he looked to be in his late 30s or early 40s.

Police did say that they are going to review surveillance videos from the hotel and from surrounding businesses in hopes that they will find something that could help further their investigation. According to the report, there are currently no suspects.

In Los Angeles, police said that the church security guard and Matthews were allegedly outside the church gates talking when a gunman approached them before opening fire. NBC Los Angeles reported LA County Sheriff’s Department Lieutenant Dave Coleman saying the following:

“As our deceased victim stopped on the sidewalk, he stopped to chat with the second victim, the security guard, at which point the suspect approached them and shot both victims.”

Both victims were transported to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center according to CBS Los Angeles. Police suspect that the gunman was a gang member, though officials believe the security guard and Matthews had no gang ties. Reports state that friends of Matthews felt that he may have been mistaken for a member of a rival gang, but investigators have not confirmed whether that could be a possible motive.

“As far as the hot spot for gang activity, this community here is the hottest, most dangerous area in the city,” said Pastor Anthony Williams. “We need help. We need resources. We need education. We need training. We need to provide an opportunity for these young men who we’re losing on these streets.”

Friends of Matthews say he was a good man. Crystal Elias told reporters, “He wasn’t a bad man. He wasn’t a gang member. He was an innocent family man.” Leo Cisneros told ABC News Los Angeles that “everyone” is mistaken or believed to be a gang member in this area. “You either have to have a suit on or a uniform going to work for you not to get shot or to come up to and be harassed,” said Cisneros.

[Image via Shutterstock/Brad Sauter]