Peacemaker slain in Fourth of July shooting: 'Bravery cost him his own life'
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Set us as preferred A community activist who previously served as a government aide for a California lawmaker and a university student studying to become a nurse were among the three people killed in two separate shootings in Compton on Saturday.The shootings, which also injured four people, occurred at two Fourth of July block parties about two miles apart, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Investigators said there was no evidence that the shootings were related.The first was reported at 11:20 p.m.in the 700 block of West Laurel Street, where five people were shot.
A man and young woman were pronounced dead at the scene.A woman, child and man were wounded and taken to hospitals, according to the Sheriff’s Department.The woman and child suffered non-life-threatening injuries, and the man was listed in critical condition, authorities said.The Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office identified the young woman as 19-year-old Meah Bordenave-Jenkins.
Authorities have not identified the second victim who died.But in a statement Monday, Assemblymember Mike A.Gipson (D-Carson) named the man as Eric Washington, a former staffer.“I do understand that Eric was attempting to deescalate a conflict during the holiday block party with children and families,” Gipson wrote.
“It is no surprise that during the moment of this terrible act, Eric was trying to save a community by preventing a situation that would have taken lives.This bravery cost him his own life.”Gipson said Washington had worked for him serving his district, which includes Compton.
He described Washington as a talented communicator, a community organizer and a caring man who gave his heart and soul for his community.“I am grieving — devastated by the loss and murder of this great young person.
He tried everything possible to s...