Family Members Plead For Help In Solving Cold-Case Slaying
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Almost two years after a 30-year-old man was gunned down on the streets of South Los Angeles, authorities say they haven't received any solid tips to the crime.
Joshua Cooper flew to the Southland from Oregon to visit his sister, Gina, and her family for Thanksgiving in 2011.
On Nov. 28 around 2 p.m., Cooper left Gina's South L.A. home. Police said that's when someone walked up behind him and shot him in the head.
Gina found him lying in the street.
"His eyes open and he was trying to breathe," Gina said.
Cooper later died at the hospital.
Although traffic is heavy at East 92nd Street near Compton Avenue and witnesses might be plentiful, authorities said the investigation hasn't gotten very far.
"There is an element of fear there. People won't want to come forward for fear of being involved," said Los Angeles police Det. Robert Bourbois.
Police presume it was a gang shooting, but Gina insists her brother wasn't involved in that and had only been visiting for about a week.
"He had charisma, he was outgoing, he's always smiling, he had like, nothing bad to say," Gina said.
Cooper's family said the upcoming holidays will be a painful time.
"[He] used to spend time with us ... now he's in heaven," said the victim's niece, Nicole.
"His laughter; everybody misses his laugh," Gina said.
Anyone with information on the crime can call an anonymous tip line at (877) 527-3247.
