Homicide Report > Michael Baldwin, 34 [Updated]
Michael Baldwin, 34 [Updated]
Died Feb. 4, 2011
Michael Baldwin, a 34-year-old Latino, was shot and killed Friday, Feb. 4, near Jefferson Boulevard and Margaret Avenue in Playa Vista, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
Baldwin was found slumped behind the wheel of a car with a fatal gunshot wound, police said; however, coroner's records show he was shot several times.
Los Angeles police homicide detectives went to the scene after the 7 a.m. discovery.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting were being investigated, and the area was blocked off as a crime scene, police said.
[Note: A reader contacting the Homicide Report said Baldwin was white, however, coroner's officials confirmed Monday that they have identified him as Latino. See the Homicide Report's FAQ for details about racial/ethnic identifications.]
The Times has contacted homicide detectives to obtain more information about the case and will post an update as soon as possible.
[Update Feb. 16: Baldwin was found shot to death in a stolen Lexus IS300, according to an LAPD news release.
The shooting does not appear to be gang-related.
Officials said at this time there are no other details about the possible assailant.
Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact Pacific area homicide detectives at (310) 482-6372. Tipsters who'd like to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.]
— Richard Winton and Sarah Ardalani
Photo: Los Angeles Police Department detectives look into a car at the scene of a homicide on the 5500 block of Margaret Avenue in Playa Vista. Credit: Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times
- Neighborhood: Playa Vista
- Age: 34
- Gender: Male
- Cause: Gunshot
- Day of the week: Friday
- Agency: LAPD Pacific
- Race/Ethnicity: Latino
- Crime scene: Parked vehicle
39 reader comments about Michael Baldwin
He was not a latino, he is a white male. The father of 3 beautiful girls under the age of 5. This was a horrible way to die! He will be missed his memory will be seen through his girls and his fiancee.
Rest in peace Mike.
Feb. 7, 2011 at 10:17 a.m.
Baldwin my friend, I miss you so much,you were always a good friend to me i know you are at peace now !!!! i love you home boy R.I.P Love you,Love Angelique Mair
Feb. 7, 2011 at 10:57 a.m.
MIKEY... To know you ...is to love you... You were my Friend... You will never know the impact you had on me...you were there for me in the darkest times of my life...I ll never forget you... You were the bestest friend Ive ever known... and now youre gone... I cant believe that youre gone... Ill forever cherish the memory of you and our friend ship.... You can finally REST Friend.... I miss you .....
Feb. 7, 2011 at 5:57 p.m.
Yes Michael was a white male and he also has a 12 year old son in Hawaii and 6 year old son who belongs to me! And yes I will see his memory in the face of my son everyday and am happy to forever have that part of him.. R.I.P. Mike-we love you... until we meet again.. Love Cain and Olivia
Feb. 7, 2011 at 8:22 p.m.
If you knew Mike for any legnth of time you know that this is how he wanted to go, a real badass since I knew him in t-ball, great surfer, he is laughing that they called him a latino. I'm gonna smoke a marlboro red and pour out a Bud for ya bra. I hope there is a big gnarly tuberide for you on the other side Mike. I'll never forget you.......Aloha
Feb. 8, 2011 at 2:21 a.m.
I am the Grandmother of Mike's 3 Lovely daughters. He will be Missed by his Fiancee; My Daughter , and His Immediate family.. RIP Myrna and family in Wisconsin
Feb. 8, 2011 at 2:44 p.m.
I knew Mike for over 9 years. He was one of my best friends.
Mike was a great guy. He loved his family and friends. He was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back. (he might complain a little, but he would give it to you). Mike was known for his sense of humor, and always managed to make me laugh - even through some of the hardest times.
My sincerest condolences go out to his family. May the Lord comfort and be with them through these tough times. Mike I'll miss you.
Bryan Tada
Feb. 8, 2011 at 6:05 p.m.
I wonder if him stealing the car had anything to do with him being shot?? Was somebody else with him when he stole the car?? Its a nice quiet area around there not alot of violent crimes mostly car thefts or breaking into cars. Hope they find the killer soon R.I.P
Feb. 9, 2011 at 2:56 a.m.
— ES90011 .... how do you know he was stealing the car? I dont see any mention of that in the HR.
Feb. 9, 2011 at 11:18 a.m.
Mikey "Archy" Baldwin thought of himself a "badass", deep down, he was a grounded California Surfer living in Los Angeles. He hung around "Latinos, Blacks, Asians, & Whites", he was a Surfer, period!!! I knew Mike as a grom surfing in Santa Monica, California @ Bay st. Life guard tower #20. Many a summers we surfed Bay st. together, I've taken Mike on surf trips all over Southern California, from L.A., to Oceanside, etc.... We all @ Bay st. nicknamed Mike "Archy", because he reminded us of the Pro Surfer Matt Achibald, whose nickname was "Archy" @ the time. Mike will be so missed by everyone in Santa Monica, Venice, South Central Los Angeles, & Hawaii, & by all that knew him. S.I.P. (surf in peace) my friend, & Homey. Joey "Grape Ape" Beamon
Feb. 9, 2011 at 2:32 p.m.
Michael Baldwin RIP Brother ! God Bless You and your family in these troubled times. Your left 5 angels behind to celebrate your life. Thanks for the good times Mike
Feb. 9, 2011 at 5:33 p.m.
Mike Baldwin was a real person, he said what he meant and meant what he said.
i love his guts for that i am so sad and disappointed for his children and family - the p.o.s. who took him will be found out
Feb. 10, 2011 at 9:33 a.m.
This was a senseless tragedy. I grew up with Michael, who it far from being a Latino. He was always so funny, a bad ass. He has such potential to become a pro surfer. He is loved by many and will be missed. My heart goes out to his family. I hope all five of his beautiful children are strong and grow up making Mike prowd.
Feb. 10, 2011 at 3:18 p.m.
mikee, goldenboy ur in a better place.
you shuldn't been such a bad dude to many peeps, ur family is suffering the most. cya, big O
Feb. 11, 2011 at 12:23 p.m.
this is how he wanted to go?
getting shot and killed? ya, im sure thats how all good guys want to go.
even if he was a "bad ass" dude. i doubt this is how he wanted to go.
id like to go... in old age, after a complete life.
Feb. 11, 2011 at 3:52 p.m.
Michael Baldwin Good Dude who wanted out but did'nt know how to get out. He wanted to be a bad ass, but was NOT. This is so sad. Its bad news. Its sad news. Let us learn from Michael.
Be true to oneself.
Rocky
Zappa
Feb. 11, 2011 at 3:55 p.m.
— o. oaxaca ..... "you shuldn't been such a bad dude to many peeps".
Tell us more. Once again, a friend of the deceased paints an interesting picture of what that person was truely like.
Feb. 11, 2011 at 4:16 p.m.
i just want to say that it's obvious that Mike was loved by so many people and it does a heart good to see the love from all kinds even here on this page...the diversity thats what makes people from the westside the best.
Feb. 11, 2011 at 5:05 p.m.
Lets not remember how he died. Lets remember how he lived. monsoon
Feb. 11, 2011 at 8:02 p.m.
I grew up with Mike... down the hill from him and his sister. Even so, I'm at a loss for words. I'm glad to have all the memories he and I created as little kids. Mike was hard on the outside, but when it came right down to it... he had a kind, caring and generous heart. Terrible way to go, he is deeply missed by many. My deepest condolences go out to his family, children and fiancee. R.I.P. brother, you'll forever be in my thoughts and prayers.
Feb. 12, 2011 at 10:03 a.m.
— dominy, why do you say that when its apparent that was another side of him that wasn't so nice?
It sounds like the deceased led a dual life and there are bad episodes that no one is talking about.
Feb. 12, 2011 at 12:46 p.m.
My deepest condolences to Michael's family. I have known Michael since around kindergarten and remember that beautiful flowing blonde hair and his smile that was not seen often, but when it was, it lit up the world.
I grieve today and miss him deeply.
Sincerest sympathies sent to his family. My heart is heavy.
Feb. 13, 2011 at 10:47 a.m.
Knew archy growing up. Surfed station 20 for years with him. He was one of the younger locals, but you wouldnt know it from his style or the guys he hung out with. I was always in awe of mikes energy and charisma. For his age, was the best surfer around, a true California local surfer. He was my friend and although I hadn't seen him for awhile, the memories I had surfing Santa Monica and Malibu will always be some of my fondest memories.
Obviously he had a lot of friends and possibly even enemies, but I can tell you honestly that Michael was nothing but kind and generous to me. When I think of some of the coolest friends I ever had. Michael Baldwin was the one.
Feb. 13, 2011 at 11:06 p.m.
— April, this is a tragedy, but why did you find the need to post that he was not a Latino?
Feb. 14, 2011 at 11:12 a.m.
Mike had his good and bad side like everyone else does. When it came down to it he was a really nice guy with a good heart and he didn't deserve to die !!! Especially like that !! I will really miss him !!!
Feb. 14, 2011 at 5:41 p.m.
The real tragedy is that someone knows who did this to Michael. They write all these wonderful things about him, but they will not come forward. If you really care about Michael then do the right thing. He was stopped... whoever did this knew Mike!
Michael Love your life Bro!
If I Knew something I would tell!!!!!
Feb. 15, 2011 at 11:07 a.m.
Rest in peace MIKE.....
Feb. 15, 2011 at 12:56 p.m.
Why does everyone post this article? I you care about Michael post something positive. For Gods Sake some of you people have no respect for Michael or his Family. Miss You Golden Boy !
Feb. 15, 2011 at 4:19 p.m.
Baldwin was one of the most stand up homies ever. You were lucky to have met him let alone know him.This whole deal
is not adding up.Another one of us taken
to soon.
Feb. 21, 2011 at 3:46 p.m.
well, it's over a month now-no closure how sad! wish lapd was more aggressive searching like maybe the niteclub arud da corner. someone knows somthing & needs 2 fess up!!! those poor kids & family. rip mikee, late - sunshine 90001
March 14, 2011 at 12:48 p.m.
We love you Mike you will always be in our hearts Chief and I, will remember you forever May you rest in peace and may you be free at last God bless you Brother! You will be missed.
Love, Chief and Coco,
Venice Ca.
March 30, 2011 at 11:11 p.m.
This is what happens when you try to be a bad guy and do people wrong. like burning and stealing from people. There was a good side to mike ... true. I just hope and pray that he makes it the heaven. God bless his parents, sister, fiance and daughters.
April 17, 2011 at 11:43 a.m.
He reaped what he sowed.
May 13, 2011 at 5:31 p.m.
The Green Oasis is a medical marijuana dispensary. Mike died in front of it. There are at least 2 cameras pointed exactly where Mike was murdered. Who is it that is so incompetent that they can't retrieve these tapes? The Media or LAPD? Or are they fake cameras?
I want justice for Mike and his family and I don't even know the dude. He just got shot right in front of my house. RIP
June 7, 2011 at 12:47 p.m.
To: Mr Laller,
How do you know that LAPD has not or has done? Their might not be enough info on those cameras to arrest anyone. There could be a number of reasons that these cameras cannot provide info. To call out a agency for not doing anything is so wrong. You have no idea what has been done but typical point the finger mentality.
June 8, 2011 at 12:11 a.m.
I was Michael's attorney, a decent guy, who deeply loved his kids--making stuff for them for me to pass on to them. He had great calm and conviction and patience and will and, mostly, goodness.
A great loss.
July 1, 2011 at 10:27 a.m.
— Marty O'Toole; why was the deceased making things for YOU to pass them on? Either this guy was in jail, or had been ordered by the courts to stay away from his kids.
July 1, 2011 at 5:56 p.m.
He was in jail more than once.
"Calm, conviction and patience" for what, I don't know, but he wasn't a clean dude who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Since this entry hasn't been updated, I guess LAPD hasn't any clue who shot Baldwin?
July 26, 2011 at 1:11 p.m.
One crime that sadly led to another...RIP.
Oct. 5, 2011 at 5:35 a.m.
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