Detectives Wednesday were hoping that a $50,000 reward would generate clues to help them solve the killing of a man who was gunned down at a gas station in South Los Angeles in December.
Marquette Deon Scott Jr., 32, of Victorville was shot around 11 p.m. Dec. 3 at a Sinclair station in the 8500 block of South Hoover Street, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. Scott died at the scene.
“Marquette Scott … was seated inside his parked vehicle when he was approached by an unknown suspect and shot to death,” an LAPD statement said. “The suspect(s) involved in this incident remain outstanding, and the motive for this shooting is still under investigation.”
Video from the scene showed two suspects approach the victim’s vehicle in a white SUV, then stop, get out, open fire and return to the vehicle and drive away, police said.
“South Bureau Homicide Division detectives generated a reward letter after exhausting all investigative leads and resources,” an LAPD statement said. “The reward letter offers $50,000 to anyone with information about the case that may help identify individuals connected to the murder and eventually lead to an arrest and conviction.”
Police and family members held a news conference Wednesday morning at the LAPD’s 77th Street Community Police Station to publicize the reward and appeal for public help in the case.
Melanie Gammage said the father of four was Christmas shopping when her son was killed.
“He never harmed anyone. He was a loving person. Very happy every day,” Gammage said in remarks reported by NBC4. “He had four beautiful children who wake up and cry every day before they go to school. I can’t sleep at night. I can’t eat. I just want justice for my child. That would be great.”
The shooting may have been random, police said.
“There’s someone out there who knows who committed this heinous act,” LAPD Capt. Jamie Bennett said. “We need them to have the courage to come forward. As a community, we need to come together. Mr. Scott was merely out shopping for gifts for his kids. He needed fuel for his vehicle, and he was violently gunned down as he sat there getting gas in his car.”
Anyone with information on the case was urged to call the LAPD South Bureau Homicide office at 323-786-5110, or 877-LAPD-247. Tipsters may also call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS, or use the website www.lacrimestoppers.org.