An 18-year-old man was fatally stabbed during a pop-up carnival in the Palms community of Los Angeles being held as a fundraiser for the Los Angeles Police Department’s Pacific Division station and youth programs, multiple sources said Sunday.
The stabbing was reported around 11 p.m. Saturday near the intersection of Venice Boulevard and Keystone Avenue, which was shutdown shortly afterward, according to NBC4.
Witnesses said there was a fight just before the stabbing, but no further details were available.
Police told NBC4 the man was stabbed in the stomach and died of his injuries at the scene.
No suspect information was available and it was unclear whether anyone was arrested.
The stabbing occurred on the second day of a three-day event advertised as the Palms Community Weekend and Summer Carnival, co-hosted by the Pacific Area Boosters Association, the Motor Avenue Association and L.A. City Council District 5, which is represented by Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky.
The primary sponsor, the Pacific Area Boosters Association, is described as an organization of business professionals and community members that was incorporated in 1973 and supports the LAPD’s Pacific Division.
The pop-up carnival was scheduled for June 21-23 on Venice Boulevard between Overland and Motor avenues. The scheduled hours were 5 to 11 p.m. Friday, 2 to 11 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 10 p.m. Sunday.
“This groundbreaking, first of a kind event promises to be a celebration of community, connection, and pure excitement, marking the beginning of a new tradition in our vibrant neighborhood,” the Motor Avenue Association noted on its website. “With your support, we’ll create memories, forge connections, and build a legacy that lasts far beyond this unforgettable weekend.”
Carnival-goers could purchase 20 tickets in advance for $20.
All funds raised would support the LAPD Pacific Cadet / Jr Cadet Programs and the needs of the Pacific Area Officers & Station. The Junior Cadets program serves youths ages 9 through 12 who want to know more about the law enforcement. The main cadet program serves youths ages 13-17.
In addition to Palms, the LAPD’s Pacific Division includes the communities of Venice, Westchester. Del Rey, Manchester Square, Mar Vista, Oakwood, Playa del Rey and Playa Vista.
The weekend carnival shut down early Saturday, following the stabbing, and it was unclear whether the event would resume Sunday as scheduled.