Kareem J. Newton, 45, was fatally shot in Los Angeles on April 8, 2026. The shooting happened at the intersection of East Fifth and South Crocker streets late on a Wednesday evening while Newton sat in a vehicle with a female companion. An unidentified man approached, fired a single shot that struck Newton in the abdomen, and fled on foot. The woman was not injured. Newton was taken to a local hospital and was pronounced dead on April 9, 2026; the coroner’s office has ruled the death a homicide.

The Los Angeles Police Department has opened an investigation; no arrests have been announced and authorities have not released a detailed suspect description. Newton was a father of seven, a rapper with a noted interest in fashion, and his family has described him as having a good heart despite a past that included a significant criminal history in San Bernardino County. His family is arranging final rites.

If anyone was at East Fifth and South Crocker on the night of April 8 and saw someone flee or noticed a vehicle or person acting suspiciously, please share what was seen.