NOTHING TO DO WITH EDUCATION, EDUCATIONAL NONETHELESS: This is a definitive Los Angeles story, at once tragic (young black man in the ‘hood senselessly killed in in a drive-by …and if ‘gang-related’ it is all the more senseless), comedic (a mentally ill man finds a hearse idling with the keys in the ignition) and farce:
- “When he went outside to collect the casket, he noticed that the black hearse was missing….”
- …any police blotter story with a set-up sentence beginning: “Meanwhile….”
- "Even with all of that occurring, the service for this gentleman was only 30 minutes late and it was nice,'' she said.
Without being intentionally insensitive or purposefully disrespectful: This a black comedy at its darkest! Americans have a hard time pulling it off… but post-war Brits in the famed Ealing Studios could retell this tale and do it justice. This reporter may go on to win a Pulitzer Prize, but she will never have a more perfect story to write about than this one!
A man who was suspected of being mentally ill allegedly stole a hearse that contained a casket during a funeral in South Park Saturday morning, according to Los Angeles Police Department officials.
By Catherine Saillant LA Times | http://lat.ms/14aRHZ0
30 Dec 2014 :: A South Los Angeles family chased down a man who allegedly stole a hearse containing their departed relative's casket, angrily exchanging words with him before police were called.
The incident occurred about 11 a.m. Saturday, as a funeral director was preparing services for 19-year-old Jonté Lee Reed at Ebenezer Baptist Church in South Los Angeles. Reed died Dec. 9 after being shot in South Park, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
Shirley Little, wife of pastor Kenneth Little, said the funeral director had left the hearse idling as he arranged flowers inside the church at 4901 Avalon Boulevard.
When he went outside to collect the casket, he noticed that the black hearse was missing, she said. Devastated, he immediately called a group of ministry friends to help track down the missing car, she said.
Meanwhile, family members driving to the funeral had been notified of the theft and saw a hearse passing them near 52nd and Main streets, about four blocks from the Baptist church. They made the driver pull over and began angrily arguing with him, Little said.
Police were called and the man was taken into custody, according to a report by KTLA-5. Police told the station that the man would be charged with auto theft and have his mental condition evaluated.
Little said the hearse and casket were returned to the church a short time later and the funeral services took place. The body did not appear to be disturbed, she said.
"Even with all of that occurring, the service for this gentleman was only 30 minutes late and it was nice,'' she said.
She said that in the 75-year history of the church no one could recall a similar heist. "This is truly one for the books,'' she said.
The L.A. Times Homicide Report | http://bit.ly/1Bl5DcL
Jonté Lee Reed, 19
Posted Dec. 15, 2014
Jonté Lee Reed, a 19-year-old black man, was shot and killed Tuesday, Dec. 9, in South Park, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
Reed was traveling as a passenger in a car when someone outside the vehicle fired into it, according to the coroner's account. The driver of the car continued for several blocks before stopping to call 911, authorities said. The shooting took place just east of the 110 Freeway on W. 50th St.
Reed was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Four reader comments:
This was a senseless killing. Jonte was a very nice respectful young man. He always kept a smile on his face. I never saw him sad or mad. We the community must come together and look after one another.
— Toni O:-) Dec. 16, 2014 at 5:43 a.m. “
Jonte didn't deserve to die this was he was a very kind person always keeping everyone smiling my condolence to his family members for this tragedy you'll always be in our hearts it's sad that I'm not going to be able to see you no more . And that's heart braking hopefully they find your killers and bring justice to your family another young man gone r.i.p my brother i'll see you in heaven one day hopefully your watching us and taking care of us
— michelle Dec. 17, 2014 at 9:45 a.m. “
Jonte you will forever be in our minds and in our hearts. This tragic nightmare has woken us up, for this is an example that we can leave this place at any moment, at any age. Yes you were young, and learning life through so many people, yet God needed you. Jonte thank you for coming into our lives, you have made an impact on all of us! We love you and won't EVER forget you!
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