Homicide Report > Thomas Riley, 16 [Updated]
Thomas Riley, 16 [Updated]
Died Feb. 27, 2011
Thomas Riley, a 16-year-old black male, died Sunday, Feb. 27, after being shot in the 1700 block of West 105th Street in Westmont, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
Ed Winter, a spokesman for the coroner's office, said Thomas was shot and taken to county Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, where he died at 10:53 a.m.
The coroner's office had no other information about the case.
A reader contacting the Homicide Report said Thomas was a student at Carson High School in Carson.
The Times has contacted investigators to obtain additional details about the case and will post an update as soon as possible.
[Updated March 1: Sheriff's homicide Det. Dan McElderry, who is handling the case, said Thomas was with three other people when two men walked up about 10:20 a.m. and began shooting.
In addition to Thomas, a 14-year-old boy was shot and taken to the hospital, McElderry said. The youth did not suffer life-threatening injuries, but is still in the hospital.
The shooters were last seen running from the area toward Western Avenue, officials said.
They were described as black males 19 to 24 years old.
McElderry said Thomas and the other shooting victim were not gang members and the motive for the shooting remains unknown.
Anyone with information about the killing or the identity of the shooters is asked to contact McElderry or Det. Kevin Acebedo at (323) 890-5500. Tipsters who would like to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.]
— Sarah Ardalani
- Neighborhood: Westmont
- Age: 16
- Gender: Male
- Cause: Gunshot
- Day of the week: Sunday
- Agency: LASD Homicide
- Race/Ethnicity: Black
- Circumstance: Walk-up
- Crime scene: Public place
32 reader comments about Thomas Riley
This is devastating. Thomas was my student at Carson High School. He was enrolled in my period five contemporary composition class. One of his classmates just shared the horrible news with me and together as a class we googled his name and found this. Our class just prayed for him and his family. I also read three of his last writing assignments out loud to the class. There are tears. He was a good student and a talented writer. He contributed significantly to the class. How sad. We will miss you, Thomas. Godspeed, our friend. With love from Mrs. M and your 5th period English class.
Feb. 28, 2011 at 1:13 p.m.
Thomas was new to our school and to my class but he was showing signs of turning his life around. It is not easy to be young and to recover from bad choices. It is often easier to keep punishing the young then to forgive them and allow them to redeem themselves. I believe he was on the right path and although he was not perfect he was trying to start anew. His classmates and I will miss his participation in discussions and desire to be an active member in our class as well as his smile. Our sympathy to his family - please know he was trying.
Feb. 28, 2011 at 1:43 p.m.
i met thomas my first day of 9th grade and from that very day on we just clicked he became my lil brother and i gave him the name of riley i never called him thomas and anyone else who thought that they he could call him riley he was sure to put hem in there place,man i swear knowing that i will never hear him laugh at me anymore and laugh together with him just messes me up in the inside , ha i remeber just a week before he checked out of my school we had a rap battle in the middle of the class , i can see him now mad cause of the tears people are letting out for him cause i remeber him sayin when i die i want everybody to be happy and throw a party in remeberence of me, so just 4 you thats what we gone do lil bro love you always and forever t.y
Feb. 28, 2011 at 1:48 p.m.
Good kid...from what I seen he loved riding those mini bikes...didn't gangbang at all....so for the sorry lames who did this I hope u get what's coming to u..........slobs
Feb. 28, 2011 at 6:27 p.m.
I remember all the funny times me and Thomas had at the Prep.. funny little fella he was. My smiles are frowns now and all i can do is cry. Its completely incredible how you can see someone one minute and the next minute there gone. :'( ... as of now it is still a shock to no tht my lil bro is gone :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
Feb. 28, 2011 at 7:11 p.m.
Man I really can't believe this happened :'( . Words can't even explain how much I miss him! He was such an innocent person, and doesn't deserve any of this! I will always remember him skateboarding, riding the mini bikes, making every one laugh. He is forever in our hearts. He still lives within each and every one of us. Thankyou for the support everyone. The family needs it. Thomas we all miss you . I love you so much fam. We all do :(.
Feb. 28, 2011 at 10:45 p.m.
I Love you lil cousin Thomas with all my heart and soul and so mad that you had to go to be with God at such a young age to be with God but that was his plan for you you will always be loved and never forgotten from youre big cousin chris......
P.S if you comment on my cousins blog please dont put negative remarks or anything not positive its enough drama and negativity in this world as it is that lead to this senless stuff that happen to my lil cousin thank you to everyone that had something good to say about my loved one its much appreciated
Rest in peace Thomas from youre cousin Chris
Feb. 28, 2011 at 11:10 p.m.
WPHS was devastated to hear about Thomas being taken from us all too soon. He was in my Honors English 10 class last year. Although he didn't do much work, he was an extremely bright kid and a delight to be around. We're proud of him being cognizant of the changes he needed to make to be better, even if it meant his leaving the Prep. Still, "once a General, always a General."
We love and miss you, Thomas. May your soul rest in perfect peace.
March 1, 2011 at 1:03 a.m.
May GOD keep you close, and watch over your family here on earth. You were taken way too soon Thomas. We love you, miss you, and will not forget you.
Colt Love.
March 1, 2011 at 1:54 a.m.
I was so excited about the height of my nephew..My Dad and Brother are the tallest in our family..I laughed when ever I saw Thomas.. He towered over the both of them...We are a Christain Family and are waiting for God to settle this score....Whoever you are ...you may have gotten away but you will never get by..our prayers will find us justice.....Auntie
March 1, 2011 at 1:44 p.m.
thomas was funny man aww he used to come to 5th period and have me cryin in class man another good 1 taken R.I.P bro
March 1, 2011 at 6:34 p.m.
I can't believe he's gone. Damm Ima miss my 5th period buddy.
Rest In Peace
Thomas Riley... You'll never be forgotten
March 1, 2011 at 7:02 p.m.
My condolences to the family. It hurts to see that another mother has to cry and live this nightmare. I pray that God will strengthen you during this time. I pray for justice for Thomas. God says vengeance is mine I will repay. No one can take it to the level that the Lord will take it to. Rest in him
March 1, 2011 at 7:54 p.m.
Thomas Riley was an amazing youngman, he enjoyed life wasn't in a rush to grow up he enjoyed being a teenager,playing video games, riding his skateboard ,mini bikes and enjoying his family and friends... Thomas loved his mother and sisters so much it was always a pleasure to see him greet his mom with a hug, a kiss and a pat on the head....your truly going to be missed... We Love you Thomas!!
March 1, 2011 at 7:59 p.m.
we miss u! :,(
March 2, 2011 at 10:44 a.m.
Sending my most sincere condolences and prayers to the family and friends of Thomas Riley. May you find strength, comfort, and a sense of peace in the name of Jesus.
March 2, 2011 at 7:52 p.m.
I had not seen Thomas for a few years since I moved away to the east coast. Hearing of your death has affected my children & me so painfully.
I still think of you on aunt Thelma's couch with your legs dangling over the edge, trying to keep up with the conversation that was going on , and you always had something to say !!!! smile
Even when it was off subject. I will miss you ......I still see that little boy face everyday and think what a waist !
Imagining the possibilities ..........XOX
March 3, 2011 at 3:56 a.m.
Man still sitting here thinking...why u? Thomas I love u with all my heart. Cherish every time we been with eachother, every laff we shared. Good memories with u and bre, and davonte,we always use 2 meet up on 108th and denker so we can all walk home 2gether. We cracked jokes and all. We use 2 love it when u immate yo voice like and old man and say funny ishh that had da whole crowd laughing. Ily brother...u will 4ever be in my heart. Rip thomas w. Riley:-*
March 3, 2011 at 8:31 a.m.
I remember skating with Thomas a few times and how we used to be close in middle school. It hurts alot that he's gone and even though we lost a friend, son, brother, cousin, nephew, we gained an Angel. R.I.P Thomas Riley.
March 3, 2011 at 5:44 p.m.
I didnt know thomas but that is so sad that people shot someone of there own race or anyone everyone at carson says he was a good person i wish i would of gotthe chance to meet hiand his life was shorted of something stupid,sending all my prayers to his family <3
March 4, 2011 at 8:22 a.m.
I just wanna say that THOMAS RILEY was like a lil brother to me and i remember every 4th period,him shalon me jovante and everybody else would jus sit around n clown on each other n to see him gone like that it just like losin a family memeber. and he neva gangbang so it bothers me because he neva was a troublesome person jus stayed to himself.he was a smart bright and funny person to hang with.
REST IN PEACE BRO,
on behalf of wphs we will miss ya bro.
March 4, 2011 at 5:43 p.m.
I Sit here and ask my self why you, u will be missed Thomas God has gained another Angel, gone but never ever forgotten I will see you when i get there. R.I.P.
March 7, 2011 at 10:16 a.m.
Where to start . . .
Iv'e known about Thomas death for about two days now and i still cant believe it, i could have sworn seen him today at WPHS this is just so sad. :(
I use to have him for Phisical education and he use to call me his little girlfriend. those are momments ill never forget also when he use to try to walk me to class. and who can ever forget him riding his skateboard... you will forever be missed R.I.P Thomas!!!
March 9, 2011 at 5 p.m.
My heart goes out to his family && also to the person or persons who did this to such a wondeful life filled person with such a bright future ahead of him. Thomas your in a better place no worries no pain. I know you will always b here wit us FOREVER till im able to see your face again and we'll walk around heaven together....STAY STRONG FAMILY!!
March 10, 2011 at 11:02 p.m.
man is sad to say you gone but your in a better place.. man i remember last year in mr.p class you kept me laughin.. i will always lovee and miss you...Never forgotten
March 11, 2011 at 12:08 p.m.
man its really sad to see thomas go like that the times in art classs at the prep of him tlkin bout my art work runs thru my head since i found out wat happen he was good person wasnt in no gang they tkin all the good ones away REST IN PEACE THOMAS BRO
March 11, 2011 at 11 p.m.
its soooo sad.....when will the madness stop? I pray that those who did this can repent and live a life for GOD.....he forgives all"
March 13, 2011 at 8:51 p.m.
Rest In Power Young Prince.
March 20, 2011 at 6:39 p.m.
We grew up close, real close. Me and my fam use to call him lil Thomas because i was the older one lol. I remember how we use to always play with our G.I Joe toys in my backyard. One thing that was significant about him that he taught me was to stand up for what you believe in. Don't let people crush your dreams or walk all over you. I will take this with me forever. Gone but never forgotten.
- luv u bro
4rm: T.J
March 21, 2011 at 12:19 p.m.
Man Thomas Riley was like my big bro when we used too post up during school. He use to always crack jokes and make me laugh and have a good time. He use to always say we bout to go to a party and get it "Turnt up". man hearing this news is just sad. knowning hes gone doesnt feel the sae anymore. R.I.P THOMAS RILEY ! Sincerley tamerah.
Thomas ima really miss you I remember you telling me why you doing that face lol and coming too mr.chucc class. I'll never forget you, you was like my cool tall brother. And I love you RIP THOMAS from jasmine :*.
March 28, 2011 at 1:58 p.m.
Thomas was always nd always will be my brother. i looked out for him when he needed me. and it pains me that i wasnt there to protect him.i wud have sacrafice my life for his any day. he was a great person on the inside . i knew i cud always turn to my lil bro to tlk to.he loved his skate boarding. i made sure he stayed out of trouble in school.and i dont no why anyone would do this.i wish who ever did this would confess. he didnt even live long enough to meet my son.its sa when our young black youth dies or ignorance,and i pray that the lord will give us sum relief. i need to kno who did this so we can all see what senseless nigga did this.well ive always had very good memories with him.and i miss him dearly.and i kno that hes doing just fine.bt no one should ever die this young. i Love you so much bam bam.
Love,
Pebbles! =*
March 30, 2011 at 6:14 p.m.
awww i cant believe my big bro gone i told him everything i just went through all this comments n started crying:( i remember he came to my house n we cooked breakfast and later tht day we got ready for my party :) thomas was a good person :( who ever took him should be asham of themselves... another good person gone smh i love you big bro n i always will signed yo lil sis audi :*
May 20, 2011 at 9:24 a.m.
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