Watts Shooting: Mother Seeks Justice After 5 Years

Five years have passed since 22-year-old Marcelis Gude was gunned down on a Watts street, yet his mother and the LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division continue their search for answers. Gude was killed near San Pedro Street and East 102nd Street on June 15, 2021. He was shot over 17 times. Investigators have yet to establish a clear motive for the fatal shooting. Surveillance video captured two gunmen emerging from a sedan and opening fire. An 8-year-old child sustained a graze wound from a stray bullet during the incident.

LAPD Detective Demetrius Pontikes noted that Gude, who was not from the area and had no known criminal connections, was possibly misidentified by local gang members. The lack of a clear motive has intensified the grieving process for Gude's mother, Kadijah Kemp, who finds it difficult to move forward without resolution. Witnesses saw the shooting, but the perpetrators' faces were covered. The LAPD is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for any information leading to an arrest.