Gang-Related Homicides in Los Angeles County

Abstract

The incidence of gang homicides in Los Angeles County has increased faster than that of non-gang homicides in the past decade. This study compares characteristics of gang homicide victims with those of non-gang homicide victims for the year 1987. In 1186 cases, gang members were more likely to be young Black men who died of gunshot wounds. Gang homicide victims were more likely to die of firearm injuries in the early evening, and were more likely to die in a relatively small area of Los Angeles County. Drive-by shooting was highly associated with gang homicide.