Homicide Report > Robert Thomas , 21
Robert Thomas , 21
Died Nov. 8, 2010
Robert Thomas, a 21-year-old black man, was fatally shot by an L.A. County sheriff's deputy Monday, Nov. 8, in the 1600 block of East 123rd Street in Willowbrook, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
Lt. David Dolson said Thomas fled on foot when deputies approached a group of people who were drinking in front of a residence about 10:15 p.m. He described Thomas as a local gang member.
The deputies initially approached the group because people were drinking in the lawn area of a residence, but they then noticed Thomas acting suspiciously, Dolson said.
According to authorities, Thomas ran from the deputies into the driveway of a nearby residence, where he came to a locked chained-link fence. Dolson said Thomas then turned around and faced the deputies while holding a handgun. One deputy fired “multiple rounds,” striking Thomas.
Thomas was pronounced dead at a hospital, Dolson said. Thomas did not fire a weapon during the incident, he said. Authorities said a handgun was recovered at the scene.
The department is investigating the circumstances of the shooting and has yet to determine exactly how many rounds were fired or how many times Thomas was shot, Dolson said. According to coroner's records, Thomas died from "multiple gunshot wounds." The coroner's office could not specify exactly how many times or where on his body he was shot.
After the shooting, Thomas’ sister was arrested on suspicion of battery against a peace officer, Dolson said.
— Stephen Ceasar and Sarah Ardalani
- Neighborhood: Willowbrook
- Age: 21
- Gender: Male
- Cause: Gunshot
- Day of the week: Monday
- Agency: LASD Homicide
- Race/Ethnicity: Black
- Circumstance: Officer-involved
Eight reader comments about Robert Thomas
According to people on the scene he was shot 12 times in the back. The coroner knows this. This is why there was a news conference 1 day after the shooting. If he was facing you, why was he shot 12 times in the back. And if he is at the coroners office why cant they tell you where he was shot. His body is in their presence. Somebody better look into this more closely.
Nov. 18, 2010 at 11:01 p.m.
"The department is investigating the circumstances of the shooting and has yet to determine exactly how many rounds were fired or how many times Thomas was shot" So cops can't even determine the number of times they shot their guns anymore? As Sheba indicated the suspect was shot 12 times, but the number is excessibe that an investigation is now required?
Nov. 22, 2010 at 10:18 a.m.
my god bless the thomas family, i been with this family for many years.but like sheba said they no how many shots were fired!! my god bless u lil rob & big rob & family...greg
Nov. 24, 2010 at 2:33 p.m.
Why would he run? And according to people on the scene he was shot in the back 12 times? How would they know exactly unless they reviewed the body?The coroner has not confirmed that he was hit that number of times I suppose. This is still very unfortunate but matters are made only worse when one chooses to run instead of just adhering to law enforcement.
Nov. 26, 2010 at 2:22 p.m.
He was buried last week according to someone that was present at the funeral. We do know that the coroner knows how many times he was shot and where he was shot because they released the body for burial. The body would not have been released before those findings were document by the coroner. That is protocal. Why they did not update that information on the homicide report, only the coroner can answer that question.
Nov. 28, 2010 at 11:57 p.m.
Sheba raises good questions, but on the other hand didn't you post about the senseless killing of the 5 year old boy by gangsters? I rather see a gangster shot/ stop before he/she kills another innocent person/ child. Bottom line, if you are up to no good and you get killed by the cops that is YOUR choice, but if you kill innocent bystander trying to defend your "turf" that person has no say. Crazy world we live in.
Nov. 29, 2010 at 11:26 a.m.
I can't tell you why he ran, but I am about truth and if truth is withheld, that bothers me. If you say you don't know something when you really do that's not being truthful. And if your hiding the truth something is wrong.
Nov. 30, 2010 at 10:51 a.m.
This was my friend & he.was nothing like the news try to make it. He worked & provided for his family like a real man should. Those 2 officers were ready for foul play just by the way they approached the scene that night. He waited until no one could see them and he let off 12 shots all in Robert's back smh. Thats over kill, aren't u supposed to shoot to get him down? He was in reaching distance of him, he could of tazed him. We will not stop until our friend has justice! We love u June!
April 20, 2012 at 9:07 a.m.
Share a memory or thought about Robert Thomas