Juvenile in Custody after Fatal Shooting

Los Angeles: On March 13, 2008, at approximately 9:15 p.m., a 13-year-old male suspect shot and killed 18-year-old Ricardo Rivera, Jr., who was standing in his residential driveway in the 300 block of East 80th Street.

After approaching and shooting Rivera, the suspect ran away on foot, but detectives were able to develop leads that lead to his location. Later, he was arrested and booked at Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics also responded to the incident and pronounced the victim’s dead at the scene. 

Los Angeles Police Department Operations South Bureau Detectives Eric Crosson and Roger Guzman are handling investigative follow-up and may be reached at 213-485-1383. Calls after hours or on weekends should be directed to a 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (529-3855).

Comments

[Ed O'Shea]

WHAT, I am SHOCKED 13 years of age?????? Wasn't Devin "Lil Willie gangster" Brown 14, of 54 VNG status? Hmmmmmmmm, good thing Jr. didn't decide to shoot it out with the Police, then we would be subjected to seeing his 5th grade school photo and how he was just the greatest all American kid. Here's a recommendation again for the parents in South Central, especially if you are latch key or absentee parents, post this 32 point Pledge, by Larry Elder on your fridge! Or if Jr. is a tagger, have him tag the pledge all over the walls inside your home! At least that would be a positive outlet. Hell, maybe even these negligent parents might learn something, other than blaming everyone but themselves for their position in life! Just a thought! Wait until our gang units are GONZO, this ride is about to get more violent. And again who is going to pay for the ill concieved CD , the City's children! Ummmm 49th and Central, anyone, anyone, Beuler, Beuler???

One more question: Was the shooter (political correctness automatically inserted by computer, given geographic location of shooting) White, Asian, Middle Eastern, American Indian, Pacific Islander, Albino, Hispanic or Black?

32 Point Pledge!

by Larry Elder


1. There is no excuse for lack of effort.
2. Although I may be unhappy with my circumstances, and although racism and sexism and other "isms" exist, I know that things are better now than ever, and the future is even brighter.
3. While I may be unhappy with my circumstances, I have the power to change and improve my life. I refuse to be a victim.
4. Others may have been blessed with more money, better connections, a better home environment, and even better looks, but I can succeed through hard work, perseverance, and education.
5. I may be a product of a single- or no-parent household, but I will not hold anyone responsible for my present, or allow anyone to interfere with my future. Others succeed under conditions far worse than mine.
6. Some schools and teachers are better than others, but my level of effort, dedication, curiosity, and willingness to grow determine what I learn.
7. Ambition is the key to growth.
8. I will set apart some time each day to think about where I want to go, and how I intend to get there. A goal without a plan is just a wish.
9. "Luck" is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.
10. If suitable role models are not nearby, I will seek them out.
11. A role model is someone who, through hard work and a positive outlook, has achieved.
12. A role model may be a parent, relative, friend, church member, judge, doctor, attorney, businessperson, or someone I’ve read about in the newspaper or seen on the local news.
13. I will contact role models and seek their advice, guidance, and counsel. People remember when they were my age and are eager to help.
14. I will seek out recommended magazines, articles, books, biographies, videos, and motivational and how-to books, and use them for education and motivation.
15. The light is always green. You cannot go full speed with one foot on the brake.
16. I am always "in school," and I will not waste my summer by failing to read about and speak to people who can inspire me.
17. I will avoid friendship with people who do not share my goals and commitments. Nonsupportive relationships waste time and energy.
18. I will not seek immediate results, as I understand life is a journey and not a destination.
19. I will read a newspaper each day.
20. I will entertain myself in ways that challenge and expand my mind. As someone said, a mind once expanded never returns to its original size.
21. I will pay attention to my diet and overall fitness, as they are the keys to a healthy and productive body and an enthusiastic mind.
22. Drugs are stupid. People who believe in drugs don’t believe in themselves.
23. I understand that jobs of the future require more preparation and training than ever, and I am determined to obtain the necessary background.
24. A well-rounded, competent student studies math and science.
25. People are not born "deficient in mathematical ability." Through hard work and dedication, the subject can be mastered.
26. It is essential that I learn to speak and write standard English. This is not "acting white," but acting smart.
27. A strong vocabulary is the key to communication, and I will read books on vocabulary enrichment.
28. I expect sometimes to be teased, even ridiculed. This will not stop me; it will only make me stronger and more determined.
29. I control my body and will not create a child until I am spiritually, psychologically, educationally, and financially capable of assuming this awesome responsibility.
30. Life is difficult. I expect setbacks and will learn from them. Struggle creates strength.
31. Every day is precious, and one without growth is squandered.
32. There is only one me, and I’m it!
Laurence A. Elder December, 1994

[Anne]

The race of the perpetrator is less important than the fact that his identity is being shielded because he's 'only 13 years old.'

This is also a powerful argument in favor of lowering the minimum adult age of prosecution from 14 to 12, or even younger.

[streetsweeper95b]

With your consent I cross posted the Pledge to a forum I post in regularly.

Thanks

[streetsweeper95b]

cross posted as well to two forums I'm active on...very well written. Thanks!