Venus Jamaal Hardin, 25

Died Nov. 13, 2007 at 12:12 a.m.

Venus Hardin, a 25-year-old black man, was shot twice through the torso at 826 W. 42nd Place in South Los Angeles at 11:55 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 12. Hardin died at 12:12 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 13. A friend with him, also a 25-year-old black man, was also shot and lost the use of his legs.

The two friends were standing on the sidewalk talking when a light-colored SUV pulled up with four to five black men or youths inside. The attackers called out some kind of gang challenge, and shot at the pair multiple times, said LAPD Det. Rick Gordon. Hardin died on the sidewalk; his friend was taken to a hospital in critical condition and underwent surgery. His injuries have left him a paraplegic; he is not expected to walk again, Gordon said.

Both Hardin and his friend have worked as security guards, and have no gang history, Gordon said. Hardin was the father of a 16-month old boy. They were most likely targeted simply because they were young and black and happened to be standing outside when their attackers cruised by looking to strike in that neighborhood.

LAPD Southwest detectives are asking for the public's help. They are at (213) 485-1383.