James Shamp, a 48-year-old black man, was shot in the chest and killed Monday Dec. 22, 2008, as he was taking out the trash at Canoga Bowl, where he worked. Authorities say the killing was racially motivated.
Los Angeles police said gang members pulled up in a car behind the bowling alley, in the 6800 block of Winnetka Avenue. One of the men pulled out a gun and fatally shot Shamp, pictured at left, in the chest, said LAPD homicide Det. David Peteque. Shamp was pronounced dead at the scene.
"Most shootings we have can be related to narcotics and gang-related," Peteque said. "But this was a family man — he was a father of two, a good husband. He was at work doing his job, and he was basically gunned down."
In January 2009, Richard Bordelon, 21, and Martin Sotelo, 23, whom authorities identified as members of the Canoga Park Alabama Gang, were each charged with one count of murder and conspiracy to commit a crime because of race. Each man was also charged with one count of attempted second-degree robbery arising from a separate incident.
Additionally, Sotelo was charged with one count of unlawful driving or taking a vehicle and one count of evading an officer, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney's office.
A third suspect, 15, was charged in Juvenile Court with intentionally committing murder because of race, street gang killing and discharging a weapon, district attorney's spokeswoman Jane Robison said.
All three suspects have pleaded not guilty.
Police have not provided details about how they determined that the killing was racially motivated.
"We're 100 % sure of it, but we cannot disclose how we know that right now," Peteque said.
West Valley bowlers mourn slaying of kind friend
[Updates:
Conviction and sentencing in racially motivated killing of James Shamp, 48
Gang member sentenced to life in racially motivated killing of bowling alley worker]
— Ruben Vives
Three reader comments about James Shamp
Horrible hope by now these waste of air losers are waiting on death penalty.. since seems was premeditated and a hate crime! Hope his family is getting counseling.
May 27, 2010 at 10:31 a.m.
what a terrible news. A good man, father, husband, a good citizen. Why life is so unfair sometimes is the biggest mystery of all.
May 19, 2011 at 9:37 p.m.
I knew James. We had league twice a week and at least one day of practice. I ONLY had a pleasure to see and say "Hello" to James 3 days a week, but if I tell you.... that man would turn your worst day into laughter, smiles and a totally new begining. He had a smile on his face EVERY SINGLE TIME I've walked into the bowling alley. Inteligent, charming, funny, sweet, hard working, friendly and a very honest man minding his own business, doing his job. UNTIL A COUPLE OF GANG MEMBERS DECIDE TO END HIS LIFE. Why? They want to fit in? They want a "I'm bad ass" title from their "GANG". Grow up! Now you all can have the "I am a DUMBASS" title on your cell door for the rest of your life! .... All my prayers goes out to James family.
Jan. 20, 2012 at 9:58 a.m.
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