Las Vegas Sun

March 18, 2024

Gang members convicted of killing man over shoe, shirt color

LOS ANGELES — Two gang members have been convicted of killing a man in south Los Angeles because he was wearing red sneakers and a red shirt.

Kevin Johnson and Kanasho Johns were convicted of murder Monday with gang and gun allegations. Each faces 50 years to life in prison.

A third man, Dwight Smith, pleaded guilty in August to voluntary manslaughter and faces 12 years in prison.

Prosecutors say they approached 19-year-old Tavin Price near a carwash in May of last year, and asked about his gang affiliation because of the color he was wearing.

Authorities say a short time later Price, who had limited mental capacity, was shot four times in the back and chest by Johns.

Authorities say Price wasn't in a gang.

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