Arlee Donald Atkins III, a 36-year-old resident of Long Beach, California, was tragically killed on the night of August 29, 2019, in the unincorporated Westmont area near South Los Angeles. The incident occurred around 9 p.m. on the 1600 block of West 105th Street. Atkins, who frequently visited the neighborhood where he grew up, was walking down the street with a female companion when they were approached by a vehicle.
Without warning, shots were fired from the car, striking both Atkins and the woman. Atkins suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body and was pronounced dead at the scene. The female victim, whose identity was not immediately released, was transported to a local hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department launched an investigation into the double homicide, but initial reports indicated that there were no immediate leads on the suspects or the vehicle involved. The authorities appealed to the public for any information that could assist in identifying the perpetrators. Despite the efforts of law enforcement, the case remained unsolved for some time, with no arrests made in the immediate aftermath of the shooting.
Atkins' death left a significant impact on his family and community. He was remembered as a devoted father to his five children, including 4-year-old twins. His stepmother, Patricia Haley, spoke about his love for his children and his frequent visits to the neighborhood to see friends and family. The senseless nature of the crime and the lack of immediate justice added to the grief and frustration felt by those who knew him.
As the investigation continued, the Sheriff's Department encouraged anyone with information to come forward, offering anonymity through Crime Stoppers. The case highlighted the ongoing issue of gun violence in the area and the challenges faced by law enforcement in solving such crimes. The community's response underscored the need for collective efforts to address violence and support the victims' families in their quest for justice.
