Black Father of Three Shot Dead in L.A., Lawsuit Looming and Backlash on Social Media

Ryan Twyman, a 24-year-old father of three, was shot dead in the parking lot of an apartment complex at San Pedro and 132nd streets on the evening of June 6 in Los Angeles.

Police officers approached a car Twyman was inside just before firing shots. Twyman was pronounced dead at the scene. He was still inside the vehicle when he died of multiple gunshot wounds, according to coroner’s officials.

Absolutely no weapon was found at the scene and the sheriff’s department hasn’t released many details, including any crime that Twyman was suspected of.

“The police opened the door and said he had a gun and just started shooting. Never asked him his name — nothing. Just started shooting,” a witness told KTLA5.

Another witness, who also wished to speak anonymously, told local news that deputies said little before they started shooting: “One officer goes up to the door, starts firing, never identified himself as the police … still unloading on the car 30 rounds.”

An Instagram post from Compton-born rapper The Game on Friday addressed Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti directly.

“I can remember us having a conversation about bettering Los Angeles awhile back on both sides of the ball,” reads the post, which includes a photo of Garcetti. “Well now I’m calling on you @mayorofla Eric Garcetti……. We need answers on how Los Angeles Sheriff’s could shoot my family #RyanTwyman 37 times while unarmed & murder him in cold blood ???”

An attorney representing Twyman’s family, Brian Dunn, told local news that there will be a lawsuit filed alleging law enforcement officials violated Twyman’s civil rights.

“What we want is for this type of random killing to stop,” Dunn said.

There is current a GoFundMe fundraiser in Twyman’s honor to donate $25,000 to Black Lives Matter Los Angeles for their help.

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