Last nights murder of Oscar Duncan has clearly shaken the Venice/Oakwood community. A youth minister, Oscar went to Venice High School and worked at the local Boys & Girls Club in Venice.
From witness accounts, Oscar pulled up and parked on Santa Clara, about 40 ft from the front gate to his house with his girlfriend. They parked for a moment, and he sent out a twitter message at 10:08 p.m. He got out of his car, and just as he crossed the street to go in the front gate, a white car pulled up, and some reported the occupants yelling out a local gang name… and firing a gun which struck Oscar in the head. The shooters seemed to have waited for Oscar. He was unresponsive when police arrived at the scene. Oscar lived in a house with his family, raised by his grandmother and very devout family members. His good friend and former room mate told me that Oscar grew up in a neighborhood where a gang influence was always just around the corner, but he never ever took that path. He was criticized and taunted growing up for not choosing that path at times, but it never ever bothered him, it just wasn’t his thing. He spoke the word of the Lord, and some people didn’t like it. His friend said that some maybe felt Oscar was “above them” by preaching, and not supporting a gangster life. His family fears that his positive message and working with youth outreach groups in Compton and other areas may have cost him his life.
As a small crowd gathered around the spot where Oscar was shot, people continued to come by with flowers and cards and set them by the fence of the family home. Neighbors, friends and many that were influenced by Oscar all spoke of his character. How different he was. Talented, and very devoted to Venice and the Boys & Girls Club where he grew up, worked, received commendations and was about to begin full time work.
You don’t have to look far to see what kind of person Oscar was. His Tumblr page, Facebook page and YouTube videos reflect how he got the nickname “Choir Boy”. A neighbor I spoke with said the gang opportunity was all around him, and the local gang kids new him and they never had issues with one another. Although that may have been the typical day-to-day, the presence of local gang tagging and messaging has dramatically increased with “direct messages” for the last 6 weeks. Regardless of the motive, the senseless murder of a devoted local community member is having a strong ripple-effect. Oscars last communication, a tweet … says so much about his mission, and has set an inspirational tone to a life taken too soon by violence.
And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:And thou shalt teach them diligently un… bible.us/Deut6.6.KJV
— Oscar Duncan Ⓙ.Ѻ.Ξ™ (@JusOscarDuncan) June 5, 2012
Oscars friend and former roommate recounts his character to the news stations
Oscar's Grandmother and Autie
Check this out on Chirbit
lord kno i feel my sister pain nico i love u and we both had our oscars in our life until taken away for no reason pain this is a pain that kno one kno unless they been there bein close to ur babies while there here god please mighty god comfort my sister heart give her the peace she needs rite now love u wilma
I live right around the corner and although I didn’t know Oscar, this is a tragedy and such a loss to this community. I’m not religious but no person should lose their life for trying to do good. My heart goes out to Oscar’s family.
My prayers goes out 2 the family. I just spoke to Oscar Sunday @ chuurch @ Greater Zion he was in good spirit and 1 thin about it he new God. So as u leave this old sinful world u will always have a place more greater 2 look forward 2. No more worries about 2morrow. God himself will be with him , Heaven is God ‘s home u r a follower . The pleasures of earth cannot be compared 2 the joy of Heaven. RIP
I didn’t know Oscar, but it sure seems like he was a good guy.. the kind of guy we need more of in Venice. This is so sad and senseless and so hard to understand. I don’t mean that in a spiritual way – but a psychological way. How on earth would a guy like this be seen as someone’s enemy, worthy of that kind of hate?? It’s just insane. May he rest in peace and I hope his family can somehow heal from this loss. My best wishes are with you all.
I love my cousin soooo much , he will be forever missed , his last tweet says so much about what type of man he was …. Senseless act forreal and I pray whoever did this may god have mercy on your soul …. Cuz it was so wrong!!
:[ :[ such a senseless act !