Suspects Identified in Tragic Murder of 13-Year-Old Boy
Los Angeles: On March 23, 2003, at approximately 2:06p.m., Wilshire Area patrol officers responded to a radio call of a shooting in the 1800 block of West Street. Upon their arrival, they discovered the victim, 13 year-old Joseph Swift with a gunshot wound to the upper torso.
The preliminary investigation revealed that the victim had attended a church function just prior to the shooting. After exiting the church, the victim walked across the street when unidentified suspects drove by the location and began shooting at pedestrians in front of location. Thirteen year-old Joseph Swift was struck by gunfire. He was the only one who was hit.
Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics responded to the scene and transported Swift to a local hospital, where he died a short time later.
Anyone with information that may assist in locating the suspects responsible for this tragic crime are urged to contact Wilshire Homicide Detectives, T. Murrell or Detective J. Sandefur at 213-473-0444. On weekends and after hours, contact the toll free 24-hour number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.
UPDATE:
Suspects have been identified as, Dwayne Deshon Pearson, male Black, 5’-5", 175 pounds, 25 years-old, and James Bartel Collier, male Black, 5’-8", 140 pounds, 24 years-old. Photographs of the suspects will be made available through Media Relations Section, as well as available through e-mail.
This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Renee’ Montoya, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.
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