Homicide Report > Derrick Abernathy, 20 [Updated]
Derrick Abernathy, 20 [Updated]
Died Jan. 8, 2011 at 12:50 a.m.
Derrick Abernathy, a 20-year-old black man, was shot and killed by a sheriff's deputy Saturday, Jan. 8, in the 8000 block of Wadsworth Avenue in Florence, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
The shooting occurred early Saturday and is under investigation, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said in a statement.
Abernathy was pronounced dead at the scene. No deputies were injured.
Because the shooting involved a law enforcement officer, it will be investigated by three separate units — the sheriff's homicide and internal affairs bureaus as well as the Los Angeles County district attorney's office.
The Times will provide more information about the shooting as soon as details become available.
[Updated at 11:04 a.m., Jan. 18: Sheriff's Department homicide Det. Kevin Lowe, who is handling the investigation, said a two-man unit was driving north on Central Avenue when the officers heard gunshots early that Saturday morning.
The deputies saw people running and a white compact car driving west on 82nd Street, Lowe said. When they chased the car north on Wadsworth Avenue, a man, later identified as Derrick Abernathy, exited the vehicle.
"At that point is when the deputy-involved shooting occurred," Lowe said.
Detectives investigating the shooting determined the gunshots originally heard by the deputies came from an exchange of gunfire between Abernathy and a group of people in an alley, according to authorities.
"It was a 'Where are you from?' type of situation," Lowe said. Abernathy, he said, was a documented gang member.
Authorities do not believe anyone was hurt in the initial shooting. Investigators, however, are still trying to identify and locate the people involved in that confrontation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Lowe at (323) 890-5500. Tipsters who would like to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.]
— Lisa Girion and Sarah Ardalani
- Neighborhood: Florence
- Age: 20
- Gender: Male
- Cause: Gunshot
- Day of the week: Saturday
- Agency: LASD Homicide
- Race/Ethnicity: Black
- Circumstance: Officer-involved
14 reader comments about Derrick Abernathy
this is the 2nd officer involved shooting in the area in a few weeks, when will these knuckle heads learn life is short and u can't keep up this crazyness , JOB WELL DONE L.A.S.D.
Jan. 14, 2011 at 10:07 a.m.
This guy was most probably pointing a gun at the officers and not obeying orders.
Jan. 14, 2011 at 10:08 a.m.
Hey Meck, where is your crystal ball? Never make assumptions without the facts.
Jan. 14, 2011 at 2:31 p.m.
These Sway Hooks have a right to arm themselves with the notorious East Coast Crips just a few blocks east on 76th! Im veery familiar with this area,and if the Flowers not gettin popped on, then its the Sways and Chickens! Its going down in a major way in that particular area. When those Place Locs told them guys those famous options : Coast Gang or Dont Bang, they need to take them serious...SMH
Jan. 16, 2011 at 9:57 a.m.
This was cousin you dumbasses...obviously yall jumping to assumptions as always. Keep it on the hush til you know what you talking about
Jan. 16, 2011 at 1:38 p.m.
crazy legs and Meck, there's not enough information for you both to comment on what took place. Obvioulsy, you both are for whatever cops do regardless of the circumstances.
Jan. 18, 2011 at 9:30 a.m.
This is a reminder. We must stop killing each other, and not give the "hate all of us cops" any excuse to kill us. Petty Gang bangin beefs are the worst thing for any neihborhood. Real shot callers no this, and will do anything to keep the peace. if your hood is in perpetual shooting wars with other hoods, its time to fire your shot callers. Get new leaders, who can migrate out of the tit for tat kill each other mentality. Where are you from?is the worst set tripping phrase in america......you might as well say...have skin heads riding around the hood with ropes. sad.
Jan. 21, 2011 at 1:35 a.m.
Everyone has a checkered past but that gives the cops no right to shoot someone dead who was unarmed and posed no threat. When I say no threat he was running but wasnt aggressive towards the cops and they shot him. Thats the real reason they arent releasing details, we know what happened we had a independent autopsy done. I'm the victims cousin and his gf was there when it happened
Feb. 8, 2011 at 7:14 a.m.
— KD .... "Everyone has a checkered past". No, most people do not have a checkered past. Maybe you and the people you hang out with have one!
Did it occur to you that even if he was running, he could have still been pointing the gun at the officers? And the fact he did have a firearm made him an extremely dangerous person who had to be stopped before he could harm anyone.
Feb. 8, 2011 at 2:41 p.m.
The police determined that the car they were chasing was the one that blasted on the group on people hanging in the alley. If the deceased was armed, how are the cops supposed to handle it? By asking the guy if he could 'pretty please step out of the car and please place the gun on the ground, with a cherry on top.' This entire area is gang-infested and crime-filled. It's ridiculous that you people even question this officer shooting this thug. If cops are so trigger happy, then let's not give them a reason to be. Stop when they tell you, get down when they tell you, keep your hands out of your pocket, keep your pants up so you don't have to reach for them, don't be a smartass to them. C'mon people common sense goes a long way!
Feb. 8, 2011 at 2:49 p.m.
I aint coming on here to argue in his defense but truth be told its the damn training. They dont ever try to subdue someone, its always shoot to kill. I dont have a checkered past for your information I didnt have hang out with the people he did. No one's family is "white" clean, everyone has dirt somewhere down the line. Would u want your family member to be treated the same? I dont sag my pants or any of that dumb sh*t but i've learned even listening to these a*sholes will still get you harassed, what reality are u living in?
Feb. 9, 2011 at 8:42 a.m.
his girlfriend was with him? his chick hood!
Feb. 9, 2011 at 12:26 p.m.
Rest in Peace Derrick ,
Despite the negativity you
Were a real human being like
everyone Else I've Seen you at your best
&& worst && you were the only person
There when I needed you .... You were
a real friend && I will never forget you .
I will always remember your voice and
The funny things you used to say ..
I never got to say goodbye but I know
You'll Be in my <3 forever ....
May 24, 2011 at 6:19 p.m.
I love how everyone is jumping to conclusion!!! Derrick is my blood brother and I am also an officer; I know what really happens when its time to write a report.
Aug. 21, 2011 at 2:57 p.m.
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