The Los Angeles Police Department shot and killed a black man in South L.A. on Monday.
Police conducted an "investigative stop" in the Newton area around 8:20 p.m., according to a news release from the LAPD. "During the stop a struggle ensued, which resulted in an officer-involved-shooting. It is unknown if the suspect has any gang affiliations," the release continues. "The suspect was transported to a local hospital and after lifesaving efforts he succumbed to his injuries."
A woman claiming to be the deceased man's mother called KTLA and identified the man as Ezell Ford. Tritobia Ford said her son was lying on the ground and complying with the officers when he was shot three times.
An unnamed man who claimed to be Ezell Ford's cousin also spoke with KTLA.
“They laid him out and for whatever reason, they shot him in the back, knowing mentally, he has complications. Every officer in this area, from the Newton Division, knows that — that this child has mental problems,” he said. “The excessive force … there was no purpose for it. The multiple shootings in the back while he’s laying down? No. Then when the mom comes, they don’t try to console her … they pull the billy clubs out.”
Officer Jane Kim, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles Police Department, said a vigil had been scheduled for Tuesday night in response to the incident, according to USA Today.
No officers were injured during the incident, according to the LAPD. The Force Investigation Division is set to investigate.
The shooting comes just days after the shooting death of 18-year-old Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. Brown was fatally shot by a police officer in the St. Louis suburb on Saturday, Aug. 9. He was unarmed. Dorian Johnson, who was walking with Brown before the shooting occurred, claimed Brown was retreating from the officer with his hands up when he was shot, CNN reported. Ferguson police, however, say a "physical confrontation" occurred prior to this.
Looting and unrest has rocked the neighborhood in the days following Brown's death. At least four people, including two police officers, have been hurt and 47 arrested in the aftermath of the shooting, according to St. Louis' KMOV.
BEFORE YOU GO
08/26/2014 7:49 AM EDT
The Toll On Michael Brown's Family
USA Today's Yamiche Alcindor provides an intimate look at how Michael Brown's parents have been dealing with the loss of their son:
Phones constantly ring with reporters asking for interviews or family members offering support. Last week, as demands reached a tipping point, both parents moved into hotels to shield themselves.
In the days leading up to the funeral, Brown's mother continued to cry and spoke in whispers as she tried to explain her feelings.
"They say tomorrow is going to be the hardest day, but I think today was — just seeing my baby laying there, cold," Lesley McSpadden, 34, told USA TODAY. "It did something to my heart. It's too much. It's too much."
08/26/2014 7:44 AM EDT
New Audio Allegedly Captures Moment Michael Brown Was Shot
New audio has surfaced that allegedly captures the moment when Michael Brown, an unarmed black teenager, was shot dead by Darren Wilson, a white police officer, on Aug. 9.
CNN aired the unverified recording on Monday night. Six shots can be heard, followed by a pause, then several more. A private autopsy performed on Aug. 17 at the request of Brown's family found that the 18-year-old was shot 6 times, including twice in the head.
08/25/2014 12:58 PM EDT
Al Sharpton: America, It's Time To Deal With Policing
Al Sharpton: America, it's time to deal with policing. We are not the haters we are the healers. #MikeBrown #MikeBrownFuneral
— HuffPost BlackVoices (@blackvoices) August 25, 201408/25/2014 12:53 PM EDT
Al Sharpton: All Of Us Are Required To Respond
Rev. Al Sharpton: All of us are required to respond to this #MikeBrownfuneral
— HuffPost BlackVoices (@blackvoices) August 25, 201408/25/2014 12:48 PM EDT
Benjamin Crump: We Will Not Accept Three-Fifths Justice For Michael Brown
Benjamin Crump: We will not accept 3/5 justice, we demand equal justice for #MikeBrown #MikeBrownFuneral
— HuffPost BlackVoices (@blackvoices) August 25, 201408/25/2014 12:28 PM EDT
Funeral Program Includes Tribute From Michael Brown's Parents
USA Today reporter, Yamiche Alcindor shares photo of program which includes tributes to Michael Brown from his mother and father
The program includes tributes from both the mother and father of #MichaelBrown pic.twitter.com/CbAPy8xKEq
— Yamiche Alcindor (@Yamiche) August 25, 201408/25/2014 12:22 PM EDT
Michael Brown's Stepmother: He Prophesied His Own Death
Stepmother of #MichaelBrown said the late teen "pretty much prophesied his own death and didn't realize it."
— Yamiche Alcindor (@Yamiche) August 25, 201408/25/2014 12:16 PM EDT
Michael Brown Had Been Dreaming About Death
#MikeBrown's best friend speaking. Says not long before his death, he admitted that he had been dreaming about death. #MikeBrownfuneral
— T.J. Holmes (@tjholmes) August 25, 201408/25/2014 11:57 AM EDT
Program For The Funeral
The program for the funeral of #MichaelBrown pic.twitter.com/PKzGgC20Yl
— Yamiche Alcindor (@Yamiche) August 25, 2014Funeral program includes photos of #MichaelBrown from several stages of life pic.twitter.com/fjhaqu26Xm
— Yamiche Alcindor (@Yamiche) August 25, 201408/25/2014 11:14 AM EDT
Public Still Trying To Get Inside Church
Folks still trying to get inside at #MichaelBrown funeral. pic.twitter.com/cwKo3ILkuI
— Doug Moore (@dougwmoore) August 25, 2014