Ricky Starks, a 65-year-old Compton resident, was killed on July 3, 2019, after being struck by gunfire while riding his bicycle near Spruce Street and Aranbe Avenue. The shooting occurred during a high-speed pursuit and shootout after deputies tried to stop a black Cadillac Escalade for reckless driving; occupants of the Escalade opened fire on Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies and the chase continued through Compton into Inglewood. Starks was found lying next to his bicycle and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators concluded the fatal shot likely came from a high-powered rifle consistent with a weapon used by one of the suspects, identified in the investigation as Haden Taylor. In July 2020 Taylor, along with James Harris and Deven Littlejohn, was charged with murder in connection with Starks’ death. The Escalade, reportedly equipped with bullet-proof glass, was later seized; no weapons were recovered from the vehicle. The vehicle was registered to rapper Keenon Jackson, known as YG, who denied involvement and said he was recording in Hollywood at the time.

Starks’ mother, Mary Starks, described him as a quiet man known in the neighborhood for riding his bicycle and working as a handyman. Does anyone have information about Ricky’s movements that afternoon or saw the chase in the area?