Homicide Report > Joshua Cooper, 27
Joshua Cooper, 27
Died Nov. 29, 2011
Joshua Cooper, a 27-year-old white man, died Tuesday, Nov. 29, a day after he was shot near 92nd Street and Compton Avenue in Watts, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
Officers responded to a call regarding an assault with a deadly weapon about 1:55 p.m. When they arrived, they found Cooper shot, said LAPD officials.
The victim was taken to St. Francis Medical Center in Lynwood where he died the next day. According to coroner's records, Cooper died from a gunshot wound to the head.
Detectives said they do not have a description of the shooter and the investigation is ongoing.
Anyone with information about the death of Joshua Cooper or the identity of the shooter is asked to contact the LAPD Criminal Gang and Homicide division at (213) 485-4341. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.
— Los Angeles Times
43 reader comments about Joshua Cooper
Many people have much info about Josh.
I'm his mother. He's my only son and he is very much loved and missed.
He is 30, born in 1981.
Born, raised and still lives in Oregon.
Was visiting family for Thanksgiving.
He was a lifelong athlete. Baseball, basketball, and so on.
Long time surfer longboard, he surfed northern CA.
He was due to leave LA on Monday 11/28, and was shot in back of head near his sister's front door that day. Broad daylight.
Loving brother, loving uncle, many friends grieving and needing answers.
He was declared deceased due to no brain activity on 11/29.
He was on life support and slept peacefully with loved ones at his side until 12/4 evening.
He became organ donor and 3 lives have already been saved due to his contribution.
Sandra Cooper Bates
El Prado, NM
Dec. 7, 2011 at 9:59 a.m.
Sorry for your loss Mrs. Bates.
It is unusual though for a white person to be in that part of Watts, for any reason.
Dec. 7, 2011 at 10:58 p.m.
miss you josh RIP BROTHER
Dec. 8, 2011 at 8:47 a.m.
@ Syscom3 why couldnt it just been SORRY FOR LOST and thats it....you always have a speculation about everything...however I noticed that you chose to keep you opinion to yourself this time...IS IT BECAUSE HE WAS WHITE?....I am a realest and I believe that the problem here is that we allow these idiots in the streets to say where we can and can't go....I roam as I like and I dont worry about the next person because I show them all the same respect...THe problem with you is that you already have a preconceived notion about someone based on their socioeconomic status or COLOR....dont be so biased on the HR call a spade a spade when you see one....I keep it real and you keep it COLOR...DIssect that...
Dec. 9, 2011 at 12:35 p.m.
The question isn't, what was a white man doing in Watts. I'm white and I'm in Watts all the time, because, you know, my world isn't limited to where there's lots of white people around. The question is, why was he shot at, considering that it was not a robbery, he had no gang involvement, and I'm gonna go out on a limb and say he wasn't mistaken for a gang member. I'm very confused by this.
Dec. 9, 2011 at 6:08 p.m.
R.I.P Darling Joshua Cooper. Gone to sleep with the angels,but never forgotten. U will live in our hearts forever. Josh was a Loving and kind man who loved his family and friends. He was loved by many and will be dearly missed.
Dec. 10, 2011 at 7:27 a.m.
I'm so sorry for your loss, heartfelt condolences go out to your family. Disregard syscom3 - whoever this idiot is he always tries to find fault with the victim. He does NOT represent how most of us feel. Your son did nothing wrong. No one but the murderer(s) are to blame. God bless and help you to live with your loss, it is a long and never ending heartbreak. Praying for answers, and the capture & conviction of your murderer(s).
Heather's Mom
http://projects.latimes.com/homicide/post/heather-broadus/
Dec. 10, 2011 at 10:41 a.m.
The area he was shot was controlled by the Compton avenue crips a Watts crip gang
Dec. 12, 2011 at 12:02 a.m.
I'm shocked and deeply saddened by Josh's suddend passing. I'm outraged that another human being can be so cold and callous. I've known Josh and his father, Gene, for the past ten years - wonderful, kind, generous people that I am lucky to call friends. I've been able to share so many great days of surfing the waves and hanging out on the beach talking story and laughing with them.
My heart aches for Josh's family and longs for justice to be brought to those responsible for taking him from us.
I spoke to Josh a few weeks before he went to Los Angeles to spend Thanksgiving with his sister and nephew - as a country boy I could imagine why somebody would want to spend time in L.A., let alone Watts - but Josh informed me that he spent some time there last year and enjoyed himself with his family and in the community of Watts. He had nothing but good things to say about the people and the place where he had been and about to visit again. Please, if anybody reading has information relevant to this investigation contacnt law enforcement so they can bring those responsible to justice.
Dec. 12, 2011 at 10:23 a.m.
I will forever love you my baby brother Josh and I'm sorry that this had to happen to you rest assured that I know your in a much better place RIP little brother and shout out to you TJ my lovin son as you both are together now and may both of you sleep with the angels
Dec. 13, 2011 at 10:42 a.m.
I'll never forget you bro.
Dec. 14, 2011 at 8:02 p.m.
Josh,
When I read the message Gina sent me about you getting shot i was in udder shock! That is something that i never EVER wanted to find out. You can't be gone, there is no way! I saw you before you left and your gonna come back home soon right?(denial!!!) My heart is forever broken, you are my best friend (and like my little brother). I really wish people would treasure life more and not take sencless violence out on others, because if that was how it were Josh would still be here warming the hearts of everyone he met! My family is missing a branch on our tree...we love and miss you Josh! You were a great friend, Uncle to my son, and always there for a good belly laugh. I will forever miss your hugs, and beautiful smile!
To Josh's Family,
I pray for every single one of you all the time. I am here for all of you, and I REALLY mean that! Sending my love!
Dec. 18, 2011 at 5:33 p.m.
Love you josh miss you every thanksgiving we spend together sense killing
Dec. 26, 2011 at 8:29 p.m.
Happy New Year!! A new year that you wont be around this is crazy hopefully sometime soon they will capture the coward that did this kept you from finding that perfect girl to marry or even starting a family and growing old you never got that chance my dear little brother I love you forever heaven just gained another angel
Jan. 1, 2012 at 5:59 p.m.
i dont think syscom was trying to hurt anyone, and I am very sorry for your loss but but these days you no one needs a reason too shoot anyone, most gangs admit there form or gun practice is just random driveby's - and honestly regaurdless of race he was visiting/shot blocks from the grape street crips neighborhoods
Jan. 6, 2012 at 2:50 p.m.
I agree with the comment "I don't think syscom was trying to hurt anyone,". I appreciate all kind words of condolence.
The reality of losing this most precious son is slowly sinking in, and it is a bitter pill to swallow.
I believe the shooter will be arrested and brought to justice. There will be justice for Josh in this life AND IN THE NEXT!
Jan. 12, 2012 at 10:28 a.m.
Josh is an organ donor and three lives are saved due to his contribution.
According to OneLegacy, Josh's left kidney was given to a married nurse, mother of one son, a woman in her 30s, who no longer needs dialysis.
Josh's right kidney went to a married father of six children. He is in his 40s and is now free from dialysis.
Josh's liver went to a man in his 30s.
All recipients live in California.
Josh received a Certificate of Appreciation in his name Joshua Cooper from the US Dept of Health and Human Services for his contribution of giving the "Gift of Life" to others.
Josh, I am so proud of you my son. When I gave birth to you, I knew you were a gift from God. I never expected to have to give you back. My love for you lives on in my heart, and you have now given others a chance to live on. Your life and your gift of life has meaning that no evil can ever take away.
Feb. 8, 2012 at 9:01 a.m.
not a day goes by that i dont think of my Son Joshua Ithurts me very much that the shooter never new my son or he would of neverkilled him This hideius act wellbring bad Karma to those involved.This is the most hurtfull situation any Parentcould Imagine..Ithank all of you who have spoke out Now we need there namesand for justice Justice to josh and those who new my Boy .Peace is a gift this father has not Love ya Joshua Cooper thou Shall Ride..
Feb. 18, 2012 at 5:15 p.m.
i was a friend of josh's. i no longer live in albany and just now found out about this. i am so very, very sorry for your loss. i pray for healing to come your way.
March 1, 2012 at 7:15 a.m.
This was in nine deuce CAC Crips location, it's been murders in the past on this st due to the heated rivalry with the 89,97 ECC.. I am puzzled to why he was shot. Watts is one of the worse low income Grimey areas in the world.. I often visit, but its rare a black or mexican gang member would kill a white man who poses no threat.. It makes your gang look weak, brings heavy police presence, and once the mayor raises the reward money u will be turned in. I feel sorrow for the victim this rarely happens. Non gang members especially whites are left alone in the hood maybe a home invasion or robbery but never murdered..
March 19, 2012 at 2:35 a.m.
syscom3, you are truly ignorant. How can you say is unusual for a White person is in Watts? I know several that own business there! Also, this victim could have been up to no good.
March 19, 2012 at 11:28 a.m.
— Jag
I would agree that it is very unusual for a white person to be in Watts. I've been to Watts quite a few times and recently.
March 21, 2012 at 11:32 a.m.
Meck Syscom3 both and the same.. Stop trying to get your foolish point across. Go to watts and compton and you will find white people in these areas. So your comment just shows your disconnect with the real world. I disagree with you not meaning any harm. That is your M. O on the homicide report. Please leave this grieving family alone. Enough with you thoughtless comments.
March 23, 2012 at 12:20 a.m.
— Sheba
My wife's job requires frequent trips to the L.A. Housing Authority Offices. One of those is in Watts. I've accompanied her several times and seen first hand what type of demographics there are. WHITE PEOPLE IN WATTS IS RARE!! There maybe some more in Compton. Not Watts. Understand Einstein? Nobody is disrespecting the family. BTW, stop saying me and Syscom3 are the same person, it's stupid and it's getting old. Leave intelligent comments instead.
March 23, 2012 at 9:22 a.m.
Sheba, the LA Times interactive database for neighborhood data shows that there is about 205 white people living there. That isn't much.
Therefore my original statement about white people being in Watts as being unusual is based on fact, not feelings.
March 23, 2012 at 5:30 p.m.
Does not matter what race or background my brother came from he was human and shot to death by another human he had every right to be in the area he was in just like any other human does. Josh was a brother a son and a uncle and a friend who was loved by many so with all do respect stop disrespecting this article
March 27, 2012 at 10:33 a.m.
yes it is based on the fact BUT!!! LETS PUT THE RACE ASIDE y he was murdered is the question!!!! it surely has been said by many people and talk around there that he DID NOT DESERVE IT then WHY ??????.....
March 27, 2012 at 5:13 p.m.
The truth is Joshua was visiting his sister for thanksgiving as like the year before My Daughter livED inthe area under low income housing. Still like almost all the murders i read about in the L A area goes unsolved with no up dates .Where i live this offense would be on the news for a week or so I never set up amemoral fund for my Son & would give a reward if I was not living from pay check to paycheck &if I miss work Homeless is where id be So many people claim to have seen it at the time this happend in the middle of the day on 92 street .I SWEAR FOR THIS FATHER THAT LOSSING MY ONLY SON MAKES A PERSON ????? GOD MORE THAN EVER YET I PRAY SOME ONE WELL STEP UP SO THEY CAN GET WHATS COMMING & THEN ASK THEM wh?
March 27, 2012 at 5:17 p.m.
You were my best friend. i do and am always going to miss you while im here. see you in the after life.
March 27, 2012 at 5:19 p.m.
— anthony .... "said by many people and talk around there that he DID NOT DESERVE IT then WHY ??????"
Has all the hallmarks of a hate crime.
March 29, 2012 at 4:39 p.m.
@Syscom3 the 2012 Census facts in Compton 15,625 Whites. 37,690 Blacks.
656 Indians. 237 Asians. 53,143 Hispanics. 34,911 other. Get your facts straight.
March 31, 2012 at 12:20 a.m.
Sheba, Compton is a city. Watts is a neighborhood. I used the LA Times interactive database for Watts to derive my figures.
http://projects.latimes.com/mapping-la/neighborhoods/neighborhood/watts/
Anything else you would like to know?
April 2, 2012 at 1:58 p.m.
One more thing Sheba, if look at the census report for Compton at
http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/0615044.html
You will see that "White persons not Hispanic, percent, 2010" is only at .8%. That translates to 772 [white] persons.
As always, glad to help you analyze these reams of statistical data.
April 2, 2012 at 5:37 p.m.
@ Syscom what evidence do u have that makes u think this is a hate crime?....u say some of the dumbest things....@Meck obviously u don't visit Watts often...see u guys think because an area is predominantly one color or another that means that no other race should be there...there are all colors roaming the city of Compton, Watts, Long Beach, Gardena....but u wouldn't know that cause u do not pound the concrete daily...some of you people get on here with ur assumptions and u base it on speculation and what ifs...American society at its best...
April 3, 2012 at 9:10 a.m.
— FOol; the victim was white and the shooter was statistically most probably to be black or Latino.
Going by the logic of Al Sharpton and other race baiters; if the crime is between races, it has to be a hate crime.
Although I do tend to think that any violent crime is a hate crime, just by its definition.
Anything else you need to know?
April 13, 2012 at 1:34 p.m.
@syscom3, I gave you 2012 census fact not 2010 and quick facts do not have their data up to date for 2010. Use the Census they are more accurate. White people did not just show up in 2012. They were here before blacks moved in their neighborhood in the 1950s. I shop with these people on a daily basis. They started taking their property back in the early 1990's. More moved into a gated community in Compton in the mid 2000's paying 500,000 per home. Yes I said 500,000 per home. I viewed the homes personally in Compton. You don't live here or shop here. Like FOol said, Come down here but you are too scared to do that. I feel so sorry for you. I understand you are miserable and probably friendless, that's why you come on the HR and attack the grieving.
April 16, 2012 at 10:49 a.m.
— Sheba
With the type of monsters living in those communities, who wouldn't be scared to go there? Don't give us your stupid opinions. There's not one good reason why anybody would want to visit areas like Watts or Compton. And with some areas having homes valued at $500K, it's just a matter of time before it's burglarized or worse yet, a home invasion robbery.
April 17, 2012 at 12:04 p.m.
— Sheba, the magnitudes of difference that you think exists between a factual 2010 number and an inferred 2012 number is not possible. It is simply preposterous to say that vast hoards of Caucasians moved into Compton in a matter of months.
April 18, 2012 at 7:57 p.m.
@syscom3
You cannot read. Re-read what I wrote. It is preposterous that you are so closed minded. I did not write the 2012 Census which is accurate and I surely did not bus in the Caucasians that live here and some of them having been here before you were born. Compton was all Caucasian before Blacks and Latino's moved in. All the Caucasians did not leave the City because other races moved in. I never said they moved in 2 months ago. As for the 500,000 dollars homes in Compton's gated community has been there for close to 10 years. Stop talking about things you don't know the facts on. Sorry to bust your bubble, but some Causcian people live in Compton. Always have, Always will.
April 20, 2012 at 2:43 p.m.
Logistics are that it was Compton AVENUE&92 a few blocks from watts & yes I Joshua Father was born in L.A.and so was my mom &Dad both went to school in LA so did my grand parents & one of my Relations lived in Watts as it expanded it was not called watts in that area then All your speculations i believe are going the wrong way because you do not know the facts & untill they catch these Indiviguals I say Nauta & wish you rambelerswould get positive or shut the F up.
April 21, 2012 at 6:56 p.m.
@syscom3/Meck one and the same, you can argue with me all you want but the facts are the facts deal with it. The 2012 Census is Fact. You dont want to deal with the truth. For Your information Compton was all Caucasians until around 1960. Both Presidents George Bush once lived in Compton as well as James Coburn. Some whites moved to South Gate some did not. I have neighbors that have been in Compton for over 45 years who are White. We have a few neighbor hoods that are very nice. One nicknamed Hollyhood, people are shocked when they visit me, My section of Compton is 1 notch below Hollyhood and I dont know what they call that gated community. You don't live here you are misinformed, End of story. I feel sorry for you. Come from out of that box you live in and start going by what you know, not what you think you know. Your comments and supposed facts are erroneous.
April 23, 2012 at 12:31 p.m.
My dear son Josh, it has now been 5 months since your life was taken from you. I am so sorry to say that no arrests have been made and there is no justice for you in LA County. I feel uneasy for those people who must live and work in that neighborhood, for there is a cruel killer walking among them. My source tells me that the killer is from that neighborhood, and that witnesses are afraid to come forward. Apparently, the LAPD is not effective. Yes! I am angry about that!
However, I know that even an arrest and serious conviction will not bring you back. And knowing why you were a victim, will not bring you back. And I will still live with the reality of losing my only precious son. But I pray for justice for Josh and the life that would have been.
May 1, 2012 at 7:26 p.m.
Ive been told by locals that THEY are still in the hood Yet when asked who THEY are they feel on spot & wont own up.MONEY perswadesGuilt is abigger one when uncoarked & if they be real or Human or just animals of the hood .As J.Cz.Father Igot a strong feeling Ill be seeing You in the Judicial system in L.A.And I know for a factif I dont see ya here I well see you in the other life were you well be Dealt with..
May 2, 2012 at 6:26 p.m.
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