Garry Dorton, 48, was shot and killed on July 1, 2018, in the 4500 block of South Van Ness Boulevard in Los Angeles. He was taken to a hospital and later died of his injuries. Dorton was a community and anti-gang activist who worked with Soledad Enrichment Action Inc., mediating disputes, helping young people find jobs, and supporting families in gang-affected neighborhoods.

Police say the shooting occurred about 7:30 p.m. when a vehicle drove by the house where Dorton was, parked, and two occupants opened fire on Dorton and five others. One other man was seriously injured and spent weeks in the hospital. The LAPD described the attack as deliberate; authorities believe the shooters were from a rival gang and had specifically targeted Dorton.

Three suspects — Brandon Dixon, Dejone Wright, and Omario Guerrero — were arrested and charged in connection with the case. Dixon, 24, and Wright, 20, were booked on suspicion of murder with bail set at $8 million and $7 million respectively; Guerrero, 18, was held without bail. Dorton’s family and the community remembered him as a peacemaker and mentor who remained in his neighborhood despite safety concerns.

If anyone knew Garry Dorton or has information about the shooting, please come forward to help the investigation.