Wave Wire Services
LOS ANGELES — By a unanimous vote Sept. 29, the City Council authorized a $50,000 reward for information leading to the identification, apprehension and conviction of whoever fatally shot a community violence intervention advocate during a Fourth of July party at a Compton apartment complex.
Eric Washington, 37, was shot around 11:20 p.m. July 4 while trying to break up an altercation during the party in the 700 block of West Laurel Street, east of Wilmington Avenue near Compton/Woodley Airport at the New Wilmington Arms Apartments, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
A separate shooting at the location on the same night killed a 19-year-old woman and injured two other people, but a suspect has already been charged in that case.
Washington most recently served as a field deputy for Assemblyman Mike Gipson, D-Gardena, and also worked with the Watts Gang Task Force and the Watts Rising Collaborative.
Gipson said after the shooting that Washington was attending a community block party in Compton and was trying to “de-escalate a conflict” when the shooting erupted.
“It is no surprise that during the moment of this terrible act, Eric was trying to save a community by preventing a situation that would have taken lives. This bravery cost him his own life,” Gipson said.
The county Board of Supervisors previously approved a $10,000 reward for information leading to Washington’s killer, and the city of Compton is also offering a $10,000 reward, according to the sheriff’s department.
With approval by the City Council, the Los Angeles reward would bring the combined reward offers in the case to $70,000.
“Mr. Washington was a devoted community leader, mentor and public servant whose life was dedicated to creating opportunities and improving the lives of others,” Supervisor Holly Mitchell wrote in her motion seeking the county reward. “Through his genuine commitment to service, Mr. Washington connected residents to vital resources, inspired young people, and helped build stronger communities across Watts, Compton, and beyond. His legacy will continue through the people and communities he inspired.”
According to Gipson, Washington also worked for former Los Angeles City Councilman Joe Buscaino and was part of the Watts Rising initiative with the Housing Authority of the city of Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass described Washington as a “devoted public servant” following his death.
“Eric chose a life of humble service, investing in young people and families across our city,” Bass said. “His generosity of spirit and unwavering commitment to others will leave a lasting mark on Los Angeles.”
Anyone with information about the shooting is encouraged to contact the sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
