On October 27, 2023, at approximately 4:40 a.m., 83-year-old John Barajas was found unresponsive at his residence in the 1000 block of West 227th Street, situated between Vermont and Normandie avenues in the unincorporated area between Carson and Harbor Gateway, Los Angeles County. Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department responded to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon and discovered Barajas inside the home. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner later determined the cause of death to be multiple blunt force traumatic injuries, with atherosclerotic coronary artery disease listed as a significant condition. The manner of death was classified as homicide.
During the initial investigation, deputies detained Barajas's grandson, a man in his 30s, at the scene as a person of interest. However, authorities have not released his name, and information regarding any formal charges or arrests has not been made available. The investigation remains ongoing, with detectives seeking to determine the circumstances leading to Barajas's death.
John Manuel Barajas was born on November 25, 1939, to Clemente and Julia Barajas, owners of the historical Shoestring Market in Torrance, California. He was a lifelong resident of the Torrance area and was well-known in the community. His passing has left family, friends, and neighbors mourning the loss of a respected and cherished individual.
As the investigation continues, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department urges anyone with information related to the case to come forward. Community members can contact the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers to assist in bringing clarity and justice to this tragic incident.
