LOS ANGELES—A suspect was behind bars on November 3rd in connection with the tragic 2001 drive-by Compton killings of a 24-year-old man and his 2-year-old daughter, who were innocent victims caught in the crossfire of a gang war.
Jahon Smith, 47, was arrested on October 30th for the murders of Stephen Murphy and his daughter Kali, who were shot in the 13100 block of Willowbrook Ave. Murphy was trying to protect his daughter when he was shot on his grandmother’s front porch.
District Attorney George Gascón announced on November 1st that Mr. Smith has been charged with two counts of murder and four counts of attempted murder, including special circumstances of multiple murders and personal use of a handgun.
The arraignment at the Compton courthouse has been postponed until November 29th, according to court records.
Mr. Gascón stated that Mr. Smith could face a life sentence without parole.
Investigators have not released extensive details about the evidence leading to Mr. Smith’s arrest. However, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau Lt. Hugo Reynaga mentioned last month that modern DNA testing was being conducted on evidence collected 22 years ago, which they believed would help identify a suspect in the Murphys’ killings.
Background
Officials previously revealed that Murphy and his daughter were visiting his grandmother when the shooting occurred. Murphy was attempting to place his daughter in the back seat of his car when the gunfire erupted. He was shot on the front porch while trying to seek shelter inside the house. Tragically, the young girl was struck in the head by a bullet and died at the hospital.
Lt. Reynaga emphasized during a September news conference that Murphy and his daughter were simply “in the wrong place at the wrong time” and unintentional victims of the ongoing gang war. He reiterated on November 3rd that the shooting was part of a series of attacks that took place over two nights, and there are still other suspects being sought.
“This case is far from over,” said Lt. Reynaga. “We will continue to investigate until all those responsible for the murder of Kali, an innocent 2-year-old baby girl, and her father Stephen are held accountable. We know there are multiple suspects involved in this case. So far, we have utilized all available resources and tools to apprehend Jahon Smith. Additional DNA evidence is still being analyzed, and we eagerly await the results.”
Lt. Reynaga revealed that the crime spree began on the previous night, August 7th, 2001, with the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Richard Lawrence in the 2000 block of North Grape Ave. in Compton.
Witnesses provided a basic description of two male suspects, and artist renderings were released by the sheriff’s officials in hopes of generating tips from the public. Lt. Reynaga stated that the suspects were driving a gray Chevrolet Caprice.
The following night, within a five-minute span, five separate drive-by shootings occurred, believed to be retaliatory acts for Lawrence’s killing.
“The shootings started in the 13300 block of Largo Ave., where a victim sustained non-life-threatening gunshot wounds to the head and shoulder,” explained Lt. Reynaga. “Shortly after, a non-injury shooting took place in the 2300 block of Lucien St.
Murphy and his daughter were tragically killed in the third shooting of the night.
Police tape in a file photo. (John Fredricks/The Epoch Times)
Another shooting occurred shortly after in the 2000 block of West 131st St., where a 15-year-old boy suffered a graze wound to the head. A sheriff’s deputy also came under fire in the 1900 block of North Anzac Ave., but fortunately, was not hit.
Lt. Reynaga mentioned that the suspects’ gold Oldsmobile Cutlass was later seized by deputies. The DNA testing is being conducted on evidence collected from that vehicle.
He urged anyone with information to contact the sheriff’s department.
During the November 3rd news conference, Stephen Murphy’s mother, Phyllis, expressed gratitude to the investigators for their relentless pursuit of justice. She described her son and granddaughter as “two innocent victims who were tragically gunned down and taken away from us.”
“We finally feel that justice may not always be swift, but it will be sweet now that the person responsible will be held accountable,” she said. “Stephen was a loving and kind person, a dedicated young man who loved his family. He always saw the good in everyone and never did anything to hurt anyone in his entire life. Stephen never said one unkind word to me. He was always a loving and kind son.”
How did the assistance of the community and advances in DNA technology contribute to the identification and arrest of Jahon Smith?
Ted that it was through the assistance of the community and advances in DNA technology that led to the identification and arrest of Jahon Smith.
Since Mr. Smith’s arrest, the community has come together to remember Stephen Murphy and his young daughter Kali. Candlelight vigils have been held to honor their memory and to bring attention to the ongoing issue of gang violence in Compton.
Local leaders and activists have called for increased law enforcement efforts to address the root causes of gang violence and to ensure that justice is served for the Murphy family. They are urging the community to come forward with any additional information that may help in apprehending the other suspects involved in the drive-by shootings.
District Attorney Gascón emphasized the importance of holding those responsible for these senseless killings accountable. “We have a duty to seek justice for the innocent victims who have been caught in the crossfire of gang violence,” he said. “We will work tirelessly to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable and to prevent further tragedies like this from occurring.”
The tragic events of August 2001 shook the community of Compton and left a lasting impact on the Murphy family and their loved ones. Through the collaborative efforts of law enforcement, the justice system, and the community, there is hope for closure and healing.
As we await the arraignment of Jahon Smith on November 29th, we stand united in support of the Murphy family and the pursuit of justice. We must continue to work together to address the underlying issues that contribute to gang violence and strive for a safer and more peaceful future for all residents of Compton.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Murphy family and all those affected by this tragedy. May their loss not be in vain, but serve as a catalyst for change and a renewed commitment to building a stronger and more resilient community.
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