SOUTH LOS ANGELES — Residents of the Westmont neighborhood are trying to heal, after L.A. Sheriff's deputies shot and killed Dijon Kizzee.
Kizzee’s family said deputies took the life of a young Black man who was happy, a dancer, and always positive.
What You Need To Know
- The investigation continues into the LA Sheriff deputy shooting death of Dijon Kizzee
- The incident happening Monday Afternoon on 109th & Budlong
- Community group Homies Unidos held a food drive in honor of Kizzee
- As Sheila Jackson grieves the loss of her beloved nephew, a community is trying find peace in whatever way they can
Kizzee’s aunt, Sheila Jackson, said he grew up in the South Los Angeles neighborhood before moving to Lancaster, but South Los Angeles was always home.
“That’s why so many youngsters are coming out here now,” said Jackson. “They’re coming; they’re telling ‘he was like a big brother to me. I went to school with him. He watched and made sure we were OK.’”
At Kizzee’s memorial site, Ana Minauri and the community group Homies Unidos, held a food drive in the same place where he lost his life.
“We are doing this in honor of his life, and we’re doing this to bring more awareness you know, and we’re here to show solidarity and break bread,” Minauri said.
It’s a positive way to express their anger about another shooting death involving a minority and those who are supposed to protect and serve.
“The police are killing our community members. They are killing Black and brown youngsters,” Minauri continued.
Jackson now knows the pain first hand, having to suddenly say goodbye to Kizzee.
“It keeps happening to our young ones, our youth, our young ones. He wasn’t even 30 years old,” she said.
As Jackson grieves the loss of her beloved nephew, a community is trying find peace in whatever way it can.