Rapper Half Ounce shot, killed in Koreatown

Authorities Tuesday sought the public’s help to find the killer of Inglewood rapper Half Ounce, who was gunned down while walking with a friend in the Koreatown area of Los Angeles.

The shooting occurred at about 11:30 p.m. Monday in the 700 block of South New Hampshire Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

According to the Los Angeles County coroner’s office, 32-year-old Latauriisha O’Brien died at the scene. Officers found the mortally wounded man in a planter outside an apartment building suffering from gunshot wounds, LAPD Officer Drake Madison said.

The victim was confirmed by family as rapper Half Ounce, according to Fox11, which reported that his wife, who is pregnant with their fourth child, was on the phone with him when she heard gunfire, and she then drove to the scene.

According to Fox11, the rapper was walking with a friend when the attack occurred.

Authorities described the suspect as a man in his early 30s, dressed in dark clothing, who drove away in a dark SUV.

Anyone with information on the crime was urged to call the LAPD West Bureau Homicide office at 213-382-9470. Tipsters may also call 877-LAPD-247, or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS; or use the website www.lacrimestoppers.org.

Half Ounce graduated from Inglewood High School in 2007, according to his Facebook page. He recorded with the San Diego label Wrongkind Records. His songs include “Roll Call” from 2015, “Throw It Up” in 2017, and this year’s “Gangbangin.”

He is the third rapper to be shot in recent weeks in the Southland.

PnB Rock, whose real name was Rakim Allen, was fatally shot Sept. 12 at Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles in South Los Angeles. Rapper Kee Riches, whose real name was Kian Nellum, was fatally shot Sept. 24 in Compton.

In early September, rapper Wakko the Kid was shot in what was described as a follow-home robbery in North Hollywood. He was hospitalized but survived.

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