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Family mourns boxer fatally shot in South Los Angeles – NBC Los Angeles

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Family mourns boxer fatally shot in South Los Angeles – NBC Los Angeles


After a professional boxer was shot and killed Sunday in South Los Angeles, his family and friends mourned while Los Angeles Police Department detectives searched for the shooters. 

Mylik Birdsong was killed outside his mom’s house around 5 p.m. Sunday near 87th Street and Denker Avenue in the Gramercy Park neighborhood of South LA. 

Birdsong, who started boxing in the ninth grade, is the reigning Welterweight Champion for the World Boxing Foundation.

“My baby was born to fight. I didn’t know that at the time,” his mom Zonyia Birdsong said. “That was his thing. He enjoyed boxing regardless of the busted lips, the stitches, the broken hands.”

In addition to his strength in the ring, family also remembers his heart.

 “Anything he could do for anyone, he was so willing to do it,” Mylik’s Aunt Romona McCardell said. “They’d have Thanksgiving dinner, and he would pack up food to take to the homeless.  He would give his tennis shoes away. See the homeless, what size shoe do you need?”

On Sunday night he showed his heart once more when he brought dinner for family.

“Every time he saw me he was going to give me a kiss and tell me he loved me,” Zonyia said. “He kissed me right outside and said, ‘Momma, I’ll see you in a couple of days.’ I said, ‘OK, baby.’ Next thing I knew I heard gunfire.” 

The LAPD said Mylik was standing outside the home in Gramercy Park when two people pulled up and shot him.  Police said the gunmen drove off, then an ambulance rushed him to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

“I believe it was his time. I have to believe it was his time,” Zonyia said. “I pray. I believe in faith, but I know this battle is not mine. It’s not mine. It’s the lord’s, I know that. Whoever did that, that’s something they have to answer to.”

“It hurts that he’s not here, but I know God had a plan,” McCardell said. “Like his mom said, this was part of God’s plan. We wanted him to stay, but God said no, it was time.”

 It’s been a difficult year for this family as Zonyia’s mom died this summer, and now months later she’ll bury her son.

“I’m powerless over losing him, but I got him right here. He’s right here,” she said pointing to her heart.

Zonyia said Mylik’s spirit will stay with her, just like the memories of his boxing talent and kind heart.

Anyone with information that may help detectives with the investigation was asked to get in touch with the LAPD homicide detectives.



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Devastated family of woman killed by rock thrown through car windshield speaks out – NBC Los Angeles

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Devastated family of woman killed by rock thrown through car windshield speaks out – NBC Los Angeles


The devastated family of Sarina Rodriguez who was killed after someone threw a rock through her car windshield is speaking out about the tragedy as the person responsible remains at large.

Rodriguez was driving with her boyfriend along Highway 138 near Highway 18 in Antelope Valley just after midnight on Oct. 8 when a large rock was thrown through her windshield, according to CHP. The rock struck and killed the 25-year-old driver.

“It happened right before I went into the turn. A car passed me never went into the turn, the rock was directly for the driver right above the cluster it broke the steering wheel ring,” recounted Franko Martinez, who was the passenger in the vehicle.

Martinez said he was able to steer the car to the shoulder but there was nothing he could do to help Rodriguez.

“All I can do is pray right now. It’s hard to sleep,” said Martinez.

CHP continues to investigate the tragedy and at least one other similar incident that happened two days before Rodriguez was killed, where a large rock was thrown at another car’s windshield.

“I didn’t get to say goodbye to her and I didn’t get to tell her how much I loved her because I do. I did. I always will,” said Sylvia Perez, sister to Rodriguez.

The heartbroken family asks anyone on the road that day who may have seen something to come forward to help keep other drivers safe and bring justice to Rodriguez.

“There is a killer on this road and we have to find this person,” said Drew Harrity, uncle to Rodriguez. “There was a whole life behind this story that was cut short and a promising future that she had. I can promise you if anyone out there met her they would love her too. That’s who she was.”



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7-Eleven owners back Prop 36 with $1 million check following wave of robberies – NBC Los Angeles

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7-Eleven owners back Prop 36 with $1 million check following wave of robberies – NBC Los Angeles


7-Eleven owners, city officials and law enforcement rallied together Thursday to support Prop 36, after a string of brazen smash-and-grab robberies. 

From Anaheim to Pico-Robertson, 7-Elevens across Southern California have been targeted by thieves. The rally for Prop 36 comes just days after a 7-Eleven was ransacked and two employees were assaulted in Hollywood.

Prop 36 aims to increase punishments for some theft and drug possession offenses.

The 7-Eleven franchise owner whose store hosted the press conference said passing Prop 36 will benefit not only business owners but also citizens. 

“I’ve operated in this area for nearly 25 years and have seen the growth in crime rates firsthand,” said Franchisee Jawad Ursani. “We need Prop 36 to ensure that businesses can operate without fear of crime and that Californians feel safe in their communities.” 

Over $2 million was raised by Franchisees and 7-Eleven, Inc. in support of the proposition. Franchisees made the most recent donation of $500,000 which was matched by 7-Eleven, Inc to show support to business owners and the communities they serve.

“Today’s event is a testament to the dedication of our Franchisees and the entire 7-Eleven family,” said Randy Quinn, Senior Vice President of Franchise Operations for 7-Eleven, Inc. “We cannot accept a status quo that allows crime to flourish. Together, we are taking a stand.”  

Franchisees who have fallen victim to retail crime also spoke at the event about their experiences. 

In a statement, 7-Eleven wrote they will continue to advocate for a safer environment for the community and business owners throughout California as the November election approaches. 



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Group of female skydivers break world record in Perris – NBC Los Angeles

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Group of female skydivers break world record in Perris – NBC Los Angeles


A group of women, representing 21 countries, have set a world skydiving record in Southern California skies. 

The women, aging from 21 to 70, have been practicing these unique, snowflake-like formations for around a year. 

At speeds over 120 mph, they jumped from four airplanes flying at 16,500 ft. 

They had 60 seconds to link hands and create the first formation, release and build their second formation before letting go and opening their parachutes. 

Beyond record setting, the women said it’s about pushing boundaries and showing what is possible when women come together.

“We are all sisters,” a skydiver said. “And it was just amazing to see how we supported each other.” 



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