Suspect Arrested in Connection with 2001 Compton Drive-By Killing of Father and Toddler
Los Angeles — Authorities have made a breakthrough in the 2001 drive-by killings of a 24-year-old man and his 2-year-old daughter in Compton. The suspect, Jahon Smith, 47, was arrested on October 30 for the murders of Stephen Murphy and his daughter Kali, who were innocent victims caught in the crossfire of a gang war.
According to District Attorney George Gascón, Smith has been charged with two counts of murder and four counts of attempted murder, including special circumstance allegations of multiple murders and personal use of a handgun. Smith was scheduled for arraignment on November 29.
The arrest brings some closure to a tragic event that shook the community two decades ago. Stephen Murphy and his daughter were fatally shot on the front porch of his grandmother’s house as he attempted to shield Kali from the gunfire. Investigators believe the killings were accidental, as the shooters targeted individuals involved in the ongoing gang war but unintentionally took the lives of innocent bystanders.
While Smith’s arrest is a significant development, authorities emphasize that the case is not yet closed. The shootings in 2001 were part of a series of retaliatory acts that occurred over two nights. Richard Lawrence, 22, was killed the previous night, and Stephen Murphy’s murder was in retaliation for that incident. The investigation is ongoing, and law enforcement is actively seeking additional suspects.
During a news conference, Mr. Reynaga, an official involved in the case, stated that investigators are aware of multiple suspects and are using all available resources to ensure they are brought to justice. DNA evidence from the crime scene is currently being analyzed, and more evidence may be uncovered as the investigation progresses.
The violence began on August 7, 2001, with the fatal shooting of Richard Lawrence. Witnesses provided descriptions of two male suspects driving a gray Chevrolet Caprice. The following night, in a span of five minutes, five separate drive-by shootings occurred, culminating in the tragic murder of Stephen Murphy and his young daughter.
Authorities have impounded the gold Oldsmobile Cutlass believed to have been used by the suspects during the crime spree. Evidence recovered from the vehicle is undergoing DNA testing, which could potentially provide crucial leads for identifying and apprehending additional individuals involved in the case.
Phyllis Murphy, Stephen Murphy’s mother, expressed gratitude to the investigators for their tireless efforts in solving the case. She described her son as a loving and kind person, a dedicated father who never caused harm to anyone. Mrs. Murphy hopes that justice will be served for the innocent lives lost and that the responsible individuals will be held accountable.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement urges anyone with information to come forward. The aim is to ensure that all suspects involved in the murder of Kali, an innocent 2-year-old girl, and her father Stephen are held accountable for their actions.
