The security video shows a silver Nissan Armada SUV pull up near a Mid-City 7-Eleven store, the driver calmly walking out of frame. Moments later a car driven by Dejon Ward, 21, pulls into the parking lot. Then a second man gets out of the passenger seat of the SUV. Moments later, Ward was fatally shot. Nothing was stolen from his car. Police do not have a motive for the crime.
Ward's family crowded an LAPD conference room Tuesday morning hoping to spur a break in the case that is now more than a month and a half old.
The surveillance video speaks volumes, but investigators say the community isn't saying a thing. One thing police do know is that money talks, and they're hoping that will lead to a break in this case.
"A $50,000 reward is now being tendered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for this very tragic and senseless death of Dejon Ward," said LAPD Captain Eric Davis.
Ward was a standout football player at Charter Oak High School in Covina. Investigators say he pulled over into the parking lot on the afternoon of July 12 to look at a map, and that the suspects fired several rounds into his car.
"He was a good kid. He wasn't involved in any type of gang activity. He was in school. He was doing everything that he was supposed to do at 21 years old, and that was taken away from our family," said Keisha Smith, Ward's cousin.
The surveillance video shows the two suspects running back to the SUV, then driving off.
Detectives are hoping the clear shots of the silver SUV and the two men will get someone to deliver the tip that they need.
"We cannot close the chapter on his life. We are reaching out to the public. We need your assistance. If you have information, please come forward," said Davis.
If you have information related to this case, contact the LAPD West Bureau at (213) 382-9470.
