Homicide Report > John McGraham, 55
John McGraham, 55
Died Oct. 9, 2008 at 10:18 p.m.
Some pulled up in SUVs, others came pushing shopping carts containing all their worldly possessions.
But all of the more than 300 people who filled a Los Angeles church chapel Saturday to memorialize John Robert McGraham were puzzling over the same question: Why would anyone douse a homeless man with gasoline and burn him to death?
John's life and death gives us a picture of how people in this life treat other people," said Rev. Frank M. Alton, pastor of Immanuel Presbyterian Church on Wilshire Boulevard, where McGraham's funeral service was conducted in English and Spanish. "The institutions of this community may have failed John. But the people of this community did not."
McGraham, 55, who once worked nearby as a bellman at the Ambassador Hotel, suffered from depression. For two decades he repeatedly spurned efforts of family members and others to remove him from the streets and obtain treatment for him.
But those living and working in the densely populated, diverse neighborhood around 3rd and Berendo streets fed him daily and provided him with clothing. When he was set afire the evening of Oct. 9, residents and shopkeepers rushed to extinguish the flames but were unable to save his life.
McGraham's brother and two sisters were emotional as they thanked those who had befriended him.
"I'll never pass through this neighborhood without remembering what wonderful, wonderful people are here," David McGraham pledged.
(Read the rest of Times Staff Writer Bob Pool's report here).- Neighborhood: Koreatown
- Age: 55
- Gender: Male
- Cause: Other
- Day of the week: Thursday
- Agency: LAPD Robbery Homicide
- Race/Ethnicity: White
- Crime scene: Public place
Eight reader comments about John McGraham
Some years ago I always gave John something but he seem don't want it. But he took it anyway. I used to live in the neighborhood no matter what he was I cared about him, I felt very sad and I almost got choked when I heard the news of his murder by a senseless human being. Until today my heart goes to John.
March 30, 2010 at 2:18 p.m.
I never met John, but I really do care about all the homeless people around here. When I first read the story about John, I felt so sad. I get choked up too. I do not understand how someone can ever be so cruel to another human being. We are all here on this earth because of Gods love and grace. I am thankful for the people who always took care of him. God Bless You.
March 31, 2010 at 12:14 p.m.
I used to give John money as well, but he never asked me for it. I am waiting for the trial of the sob to come. I person name ben martin is suspected of burning him alive. I hope he gets the death penality.
March 31, 2010 at 3:23 p.m.
I've never met John but knowing what happened to him made me cry. Is being homeless a crime? Now with the Arizona's bill out there, what will come next? Burning of Illegal Alliens?
April 28, 2010 at 12:43 p.m.
Yes, alex, the burning of illegal aliens will be done by soldiers wearing Nazi uniforms being flown around in black helicopters. And they will also make some crop circles while they re at it.
April 28, 2010 at 4:11 p.m.
John was a friendly man who sat next to the parking lot exit at 3250 wilshire and dispensed smiles and wisdom to those of us getting out of work at 5:00 pm. He never once asked for anything. It was us giving him little tokens of our gratitude for his wit and wisdom. May his soul rest in peace.
April 28, 2010 at 8:54 p.m.
i was lucky to meet john.
i would see him every day and he would always say hi and smile. i remember he would be singing too. when i heard what happen to him i couldn't believe it. it broke my heart. what they did to him was really messed up. every day i pass by that dry cleaners, i always remember him. he is really missed
Sept. 19, 2010 at 9:18 a.m.
For those who wonder why would a person burn another person to death, Mr. McGraham was vunerable and no threat to anyone (particularly, his murderer) in his homeless condition: Mr. McGraham was probably killed for evil fun. If you do not know what evil is, I suggest you get yourself a dictionary and look up the word. Let's stay safe (don't be reckless), be kind to each other and take care of one another, regardless of race, sex, age, religion or wealth, because life is short, and evil is not 'cool'.
Nov. 5, 2010 at 4:47 p.m.
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