Travione 'Tray' Rashad Mason, a 26-year-old man from Westmont, California, tragically lost his life on July 11, 2015. Mason was attending a birthday party in the 11100 block of South Berendo Avenue when he was shot and killed. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department responded to calls about a gunshot victim and a loud party around 11 p.m. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that three men had been shot.
Mason, who was working as a sous chef for a catering company at the party, was shot in the upper body and pronounced dead at the scene. Another employee of the catering company was shot in the hand and taken to a nearby hospital, while a 55-year-old man hosting the party was grazed by a bullet but refused treatment.
The investigation into Mason's death revealed that the shooting occurred in the backyard of the residence. However, the authorities did not have a description of the shooter. It was believed that the suspect was not a partygoer but had opened fire at the large gathering, resulting in the injuries and Mason's death. The motive behind the shooting remained unclear, and the suspect's identity was unverified. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department encouraged anyone with information about the incident to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community assistance in solving the case.
Mason's death was a significant loss to his family and friends. He was remembered as a loving and dedicated father who was passionate about cooking and providing for his children. Keith Garrett, the owner of the All Flavor No Grease taco stand and catering business where Mason worked, spoke highly of him, describing him as a hardworking individual who was committed to changing his life for the better. Mason had been working with Garrett for about four months, helping to prepare fresh ingredients and save up for a taco truck to expand the business.
Despite the efforts of law enforcement, no arrests were made in connection with Mason's murder. The case remained unsolved, with investigators continuing to seek leads and information from the public. The community mourned the loss of a young man who had a bright future ahead of him, and his death highlighted the ongoing issue of gun violence in the area. The tragic incident underscored the need for continued efforts to address and prevent such senseless acts of violence.
