LOS ANGELES, Calif. (KTLA) — Police are hoping that a reward will bring in new clues in the fatal shooting of a well-known youth pastor from Venice.
Authorities announced the $50,000 reward on Thursday morning at the LAPD’s Pacific Division.
Oscar Duncan, 23, was shot around 10:30 p.m. Monday in the 600 block of Santa Clara Avenue in Venice.Duncan while returning to his mother’s home with his girlfriend after attending a bible study.
According to police, a white vehicle pulled up with multiple African-American occupants.
They made comments to Duncan, who walked toward the vehicle to see who they were.
That’s when one person suddenly fired a shot, hitting Duncan in the head.
He was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
Those who knew Duncan say he was always trying to help other people.
He was a dedicated youth pastor at Greater Zion Church in Compton, and he also worked with the Venice Boys & Girls Club.
Even while at Venice High School, Duncan was a standout. He was the captain of the football team and won homecoming king.
Police are still trying to determine a motive for the shooting.
They say gang members may be responsible, but Duncan didn’t have any gang ties and had no criminal record.
Duncan’s family says this type of senseless violence is exactly what he tried to keep kids away from.
“Stand upright, don’t fall, don’t be a fool… and that was him,” Duncan’s cousin, Antwone Willaims, said.
He continued: “Always smile. Be loving. Care about somebody. Don’t destroy anything.”
Duncan’s church community held a vigil for him on Wednesday night.
They say they will continue to pray that his murder is solved.
Anyone with information is asked to call homicide detectives at 213-382-9470.
