Rash Of Racial Killings In Gangland

Los Angeles County Investigation Shows Latino Gang Bent On "Cleansing" Turf

(AP)  In a murderous quest aimed at "cleansing" their turf of snitches and rival gangsters, members of one of Los Angeles County's most vicious Latino gangs sometimes killed people just because of their race, an investigation found.

There were even instances in which Florencia 13 leaders ordered killings of black gangsters and then, when the intended victim couldn't be located, said "Well, shoot any black you see," Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca said.

"In certain cases some murders were just purely motivated on killing a black person," Baca said.

Authorities say there were 20 murders among more than 80 shootings documented during the gang's rampage in the hardscrabble Florence-Firestone neighborhood, exceptional even in an area where gang violence has been commonplace for decades. They do not specify the time frame or how many of the killings were racial.

Los Angeles has struggled with gang violence for years, especially during the wars in the late 1980s and early '90s between the Crips and the Bloods - both black gangs. Latino gangs have gained influence since then as the Hispanic population surged.

Evidence of Florencia 13, or F13, is easy to find in Florence-Firestone. Arrows spray-painted on the wall of a liquor store mark the gang's boundary and graffiti warns rivals to steer clear.

The gang's name comes from the neighborhood that is its stronghold and the 13th letter of the alphabet - M - representing the gang's ties to the Mexican Mafia.

Federal, state and local officials worked together to charge 102 men linked to F13 with racketeering, conspiracy to murder, weapons possession, drug dealing and other crimes. In terms of people charged, it is the largest-ever federal case involving a Southern California gang, prosecutors say. More than 80 of those indicted are in custody.

But eliminating the gang will not be easy. It has survived for decades and is believed to have about 2,000 members. Its reach extends to the neighboring states of Nevada and Arizona, and into prisons, where prosecutors say incarcerated gang leaders were able to order hits on black gangsters.

According to the indictment, F13's leader, Arturo Castellanos, sent word in 2004 from California's fortress-like Pelican Bay State Prison that he wanted his street soldiers to begin "cleansing" Florence-Firestone of black gangsters, notably the East Coast Crips, and snitches.

His followers eagerly obeyed, according to federal prosecutors.

In one case, F13 members came across a black man at a bus stop, shouted "Cheese toast!" and fired. "Cheese toast" is a derogatory name for East Coast Crips, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin S. Rosenberg said.

The victim, apparently targeted only because of his skin color, survived being shot several times, Rosenberg said.

F13 is not the only Latino gang linked to racial killings. Last year, four members of The Avenues, a gang from the Highland Park area east of downtown Los Angeles, were convicted of hate crimes for killing a black man in what prosecutors called a campaign to drive blacks from that neighborhood. And last January, authorities announced a crackdown on the 204th Street gang following the killing of a 14-year-old black girl.

The violence goes both ways, said Adam Torres, a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department gang detective whose beat includes Florence-Firestone.

During a recent patrol on the east side of the neighborhood, he pointed to a cinderblock wall peppered with bullet holes. Torres said the Crips still control that area and any Hispanic there is at risk of being shot.

Despite the wave of violence, George Tita, a criminologist with the University of California, Irvine, said racially motivated gang killings are an exception. Latinos and blacks are far more likely to be murdered by one of their own.

"You don't see these major black-brown wars, either within the context of gangs or outside the context of gangs," Tita said.

Residents of Florence-Firestone are loath to discuss gangs, fearful they might end up as targets, but there are signs of change. Murders in the neighborhood dropped from 43 in 2005 to 19 in 2006, Baca said. For 2007, there were 19 murders as of Dec. 24.

[slim1h2o]

Latino gangs sometimes killed people just because of their race, an investigation found.

Hey Rudy,,,Are you going to stick-up for your Hispanic friends now?

Send all w''backs south of the border,,they are ruining this country!!!!

Bunch of Racists!!

[battyellison]

Most of these gangs have parents that are illegals but do you actually think the "Bush Gang " cares ? I think not all they''re worrying about is getting that clown out of office before the US goes BUST !!!!!!!!

[payasyougo]

This is clearly a sectarian violence issue. Other states should not get involved and especially should not send police or other agents to be put in harms way to solve California''s problem. It might provoke the gangs to then attack other states. These sects have been warring for years and declaring a false and potentially illegal war on them will just consume resources that should be used elsewhere. This is a California problem and California should have dialogue with the individuals involved to reach a peaceful solution. California should give the sects a reason not to fight - maybe give them hope for a better future - provide economic aid without attempted control of their leadership. California should seek consensus from other states though before taking any steps.

[krenz4]

I think the federal gov''t should get involved. This is not just a problem of minorities killing minorities. If these killings are happening to people based solely on the color of their skin, then does it not qualify as a hate crime? Why not? because its minority on minority crime? The fact that there are those who would have us not antagonize the gang members by making a national issue of it suggests that we should just let them do whatever they want and that IS scary.

[rushman71]

Los Angeles--armpit of America!!! Home of the Gangtas, Killas, and the Cat-a-pillas!!! Glad I don''t live there!!!

[hwy71so]

Its apparent California is incapable of cleaning up this mess themselves. The Ahnold needs to prove he''s tough and get it done.

The worst thing we could do is bow down to these punks and treat them as equals by opening dialogue. They''re nothing more than criminals who CHOOSE not to conform to a society that WE built by our sweat and blood. They''re nothing more than freeloaders. There''s nothing we could give them to replace their sadistic taste for the lure of battle.

Maybe its time to lock and load.

[rushman71]

Hwy71So: I agree with you 100% on what you said,"Maybe its time to lock and load." Now it''s time for me to stock up!!!

[slim1h2o]

Hwy71So at 09:19 AM : Dec 31, 2007

It''s not just in California,,But all over America.

These thugs, gangs, and illegals, are trying to take over, and our G''ment is allowing it!

I agree,,time to lock and load!!!!!

[cbsnewsadmin]

This is the Administrator, please refrain from using inflamatory speech

[gheemaster38]

This is clearly a sectarian violence issue. Other states should not get involved and especially should not send police or other agents to be put in harms way to solve California''''s problem.

Posted by payasyougo at 08:25 AM : Dec 31, 2007

Wow! Are you serious? The article mentioned the gangs have spread to other states not just California. Anybody that is familar with gangs know that talking will achieve nothing but make them think you fear them. The police are scared of gangs as well as normal citizens. Lethal force may be the only way to clear them out. Make them as afraid as they have most citizens afraid. By the way, Most gang are now networked across the US including smaller country towns, so dont be fooled thinking it is an LA problem.

[slim1h2o]

This is the Administrator, please refrain from using inflamatory speech

Posted by cbsnewsadmin at 09:38 AM : Dec 31, 2007


This must be rudy,,under a different log-in-name.
Can''t handle the truth?

[gunownerdan]

Gang members always try to kill each other when you give them a monopoly on billions of dollars in black-market drug profits thanks to prohibition(the war on drugs).
www.leap.cc

[klingon69]

This is the kind of shooting/killings that the Clinton administration used to get numbers of "children" killed everyday by handguns. As long as they''re killing each other, I could care less. Maybe we will all get lucky and they will wipe each other out. Barring that, Have the LAW declare full, open war on gangs. If they ever would combine, they could rule the US.

[gheemaster38]

By the way, The National Guard is setup to protect the nation. I see these gangs as a threat to National security, they (Some have already proven they would commit or support terrorist acts if the price is right). SO, instead of sending the NG overseas, they should be utilized to fight this terrorist threat (Gangs) on our homeland here in America.

[gunownerdan]

Gangsters in the 1920''s were shooting each other thanks to alcohol prohibition.
Today they are shooting each other thanks to drug prohibition.
www.leap.cc

[thgdriver]

If the police did their jobs in the first place belonging to a gang would not be necessary. Kids join gangs for protection. Even back in the 50''s if you walked to school, the movies, any place alone you were a target by a gang. Nothing changed except instead of being beat up and put in the hospital, now you are killed and put in the morgue.

[tbweb]

Like the saying goes, you think education is expensive, try ignorance! Gang banging in the epitome of ignorance! No gang banger who once educated, once risen above it thought it was cool. A bunch of bored knuckle heads who have nothing better to do. Fighting over turf they don''t even own! Silly rabbits, tricks are for kids!

[thgdriver]

gunownerdan

Are you promoting the legalization of drugs? Even if they were, would there still be a black market for them?

[s1ckd09]

Who knew that gangs were Republican? After all, aren''t Republicans the only people capable of racism?

[s1ckd09]

This is clearly a sectarian violence issue. Other states should not get involved and especially should not send police or other agents to be put in harms way to solve California''''''''s problem.

Posted by payasyougo at 08:25 AM : Dec 31, 2007

Wow! Are you serious? The article mentioned the gangs have spread to other states not just California....

Posted by gheemaster38 at 09:41 AM : Dec 31, 2007


This is hilarious... And also typical of how people can''t see past their own ignorance and hate. You nailed it, payasyougo!

[gunownerdan]

thgdriver,
The "war on drugs" is what allows a gang to make lots of money by giving them a monopoly on all
black-market profits.

[lvdragonlady-2009]

You guys are amazingly dense. M13 is everywhere and getting stronger because of the illegals in this country. I have see ''tags'' from them in Texas and Georgia, neither very close to California. If we can not stop them soon, no one will be safe. You will not need to be black/brown to be a target, just in the wrong place at the wrong time. They are expanding into other neighborhood on a daily basis. Learn to recognize the ''tags'' you will see they are closer then you think!

[rudy654-2009]

You guys are amazingly dense. M13 is everywhere and getting stronger because of the illegals in this country. I have see ''''tags'''' from them in Texas and Georgia, neither very close to California.Posted by lvdragonlady at 11:36 AM

These people are not illegals. As somebody who has been actively dealing with this problem, I can assure you that the vast majority are citizens born of immigrants. To conquer this problem, people need to get past their own racist attitudes. Ask any law enforcment officers working on this and they will tell you that white supremacist gangs are just as much a problem. Forming anti-gang task forces in the community is one way and getting families invovled in order to prevent their own children''s involvment. The attitude has to be one that is proactive, and based on knowledge, and not based on fear mongering racist attitudes.

[random_radar]

Gangs are alternative governments in competition with the dominant government. People join gangs for protection, prestige, and economic gain (just like politicians running for office in the dominant government).

The government opposes gangs because they represent competition to their monopoly on coercion and violence. The government forces you to pay taxes to support themselves, and offers mediocre services and protection in exchange.

The government extracts payoffs from you by force (and calls it taxation). But they offer lousy protections for all the money they force you to pay. By comparison, if you pay the mafia for protection, no one messes with you. And the mafia charges lower prices for their services, too.

[Krazcarl]

This is not news the story is there is a strong Latino gang now and vicios. Ask bugs how he felt about Al Capone in the 30''s plus know most of these gangbangers are on crack so there not playing with a full deck to begin with.

[aznyron-2009]

in my opinion this is to get control of the drug traffic coming in the USA the joke is the fed ex & ups can track a small package across the world but we can not stop drugs or illegals coming in to the USA
I don''t think my gov want to stop it this way they can waste more of your tax dollars on prison and and creating more laws to take away more freedoms of the honest citizen perfect example is the patriot act of the Bush adm.

[thgdriver]

If the police did their jobs in the first place belonging to a gang would not be necessary. Kids join gangs for protection. Even back in the 50''''s if you walked to school, the movies, any place alone you were a target by a gang. Nothing changed except instead of being beat up and put in the hospital, now you are killed and put in the morgue.

I forgot to add--- Now that I don''t have my old gang to walk the streets with I have my 357 Snub nose instead.
I refused to be bullied when I was a kid and I refuse to be a victim now. Those bastardds shoot at me they are going to get the surprise of their lives when I shoot back. I don''t ask for trouble or make any but if someone ***** with me or my family it will be over my dead body.

[jetranger7]

What really needs to be done - is WE NEED to clean up ol'' LA of all the ILLEGAL LATINO MEXICANS and Ship them right back across the Border too, all of them every single one of them whos here ILLEGALLY, enough of their Crime and Dumb Gang mentality and their DRUGS DOPE and whatever else their doing,,We don''t need their Crime Ridden worethless azzes in this country anyway, get out the Bulldozers and the earth moving equipment by the thousands and start plowing up their land and PUCH the scum back across the Border, Ship the ILLEGAL ******** back Home !!!!!

[thgdriver]

perfect example is the patriot act of the Bush adm.

Posted by aznyron

The president has no such powers the congress passed the Patriot act.

The patriot act came up for renewal and it was renewed again by your congress, please pay attention.

[Krazcarl]

I had a friend that grew up in the Bronx he said when he was a kid you had 2 choices either be a victum or victumizer he ran with the gangs till he got out and it was a mercyless beating he got. Said without protection you were just foder for everyone else an angle no one has mentioned. In his mind at the time he was awarded some protection and in low income city sewers it''s needed apparently...

[thgdriver]

JetRanger7

How do you do that when the likes of the California and New York Governor wants to give them drivers licenses and the Senator from NY who is running for president says at a debate--- Thats a start in the right direction or words to that effect? Then they both get some heat and change their story''s.

The Mayor Of Hazleton Pa. tried to get red of them and the courts stuck up for the ********! It''s one big mess if you ask me.

The Democrats or Republicans don''t want to lose their vote, so neither sticks there neck out. Damnned ******** should not be voting in the first place but they do.

[thgdriver]

crzmeat

I did mention that. Pay attention to all posts.

[thgdriver]

As I recall, the Mayor of Hazleton PA. passed as ordanence with city council that made it illegal for someone to hire for work, or rent an apartment to, anyone, Illegally in this country. The courts said that was unconstitutional. I was flabbergasted by that decision.

[mo005]

tiddsanbee WOW, well said very well said. Get rid of those two right off the get go, we can start putting an end to the race card issue. Then send the illegals back to where they came from. ( Not the ones comming here learning the lingo and paying tax''s.) I mean the ones that hide when the lights are turned on. The ones that are comming in here getting pregnant so they can live off of our system and expect me to speak spanish for them . Then we will start getting a handle on racism in america. I think they need to supply the cops with the right amount of fire power to stop the gangs in there tracks. Because they are americas terrorists.

[Krazcarl]

thgdriver...???? I have no issues with you don''t be like my ex-wife.

[mo005]

tiddsanbee WOW, well said very well said. Get rid of those two right off the get go, we can start putting an end to the race card issue. Then send the illegals back to where they came from. ( Not the ones comming here learning the lingo and paying tax''s.) I mean the ones that hide when the lights are turned on. The ones that are comming in here getting pregnant so they can live off of our system and expect me to speak spanish for them . Then we will start getting a handle on racism in america. I think they need to supply the cops with the right amount of fire power to stop the gangs in there tracks. Because they are americas terrorists.

[michellem99-2009]

Yer dressing down an older gent..

[thgdriver]

Oh, I forgot to add, the court said that a city cannot enforce Immigration, only the federal government can do that. HUH? What? Thats the whole point, the feds are not doing a damm thing! It seems to me if some one is doing something criminal, any one, including the mayor of Hazleton, can make a citizens arrest. Coming across the border is ILLEGAL!!!!

[michellem99-2009]

Yer put that whine baby in the oval office.
They had a problem with Nixon..Yer too young to remember that..I do. Bush is far worse than Nixon ever thot of being. Yep. A bad boy..He changed America to fit him not ye and yer. I can see right thru him.

[thgdriver]

crzmeat you stated----without protection you were just foder for everyone else "an angle no one has mentioned".

I mentioned in as earlier post that "I" had to belong to a gang to walk to school, the movies or wherever. I know first hand what your fried was talking about.

Sorry about your wife!

[klingon69]

These people are not illegals. As somebody who has been actively dealing with this problem, I can assure you that the vast majority are citizens born of immigrants. To conquer this problem, people need to get past their own racist attitudes. Ask any law enforcment officers working on this and they will tell you that white supremacist gangs are just as much a problem. Forming anti-gang task forces in the community is one way and getting families invovled in order to prevent their own children''''s involvment. The attitude has to be one that is proactive, and based on knowledge, and not based on fear mongering racist attitudes.
Posted by rudy654 at 11:46 AM : Dec 31, 2007
They may be citizens, but 10 to 1 most of the parents are illegals. I knew you''d find a way to try and defend your illegal scum. So, now we are racist if we are worried about gang violence?
Rudy toot, you are a hoot.

[thgdriver]

Yer put that whine baby in the oval office.
They had a problem with Nixon..Yer too young to remember that..I do. Bush is far worse than Nixon ever.

Posted by MichelleM99

Don''t know fer sur who your posting to. Sure I voted for Bush and his old man too, Damm, If I had not you Libs and Demonrats here wouldn''t have any thing to say at all. LOL!

[klingon69]

Oh, I forgot to add, the court said that a city cannot enforce Immigration, only the federal government can do that. HUH? What? Thats the whole point, the feds are not doing a damm thing! It seems to me if some one is doing something criminal, any one, including the mayor of Hazleton, can make a citizens arrest. Coming across the border is ILLEGAL!!!!
Posted by thgdriver at 01:50 PM : Dec 31, 2007
What puzzles me is that the feds jump all over any town/city/municipality that passes something to try and help with the illegal problem, but when you have cities like LA, a sanctuary city, why do they not jump them, isn''t that dealing with immigration? Isn''t that the feds baliwick?

[thgdriver]

Klingon69

I live in the burbs of a large city. The Illegals there had a protest march back in the summer of this year. Where was the feds?

Right there was the best chance to have 15 or more buses to load them all on under arrest and cart their Aisses back accross the border.

[bhappy2-2]

As long as we have ILLEGAL ALIEN INVADERS this will only get worse. WE, THE CITIZENS OF AMERICA, need to TAKE OUR COUNTRY BACK! We can''t depend on the local police, the federal government or anyone else. These ILLEGAL ALIEN INVADERS and ALL THEIR ILLEGAL ALIEN BRAT KIDS have become too much to bear. WE MUST DEFEND OUR COUNTRY, while we still have a country to defend. I do not want to be a part of NORTH MEXICO.

[nv4me]

Check Out The 50 Most Shocking Photos Of 2007:
www.pocono communitynews.com

[nlm2383]

LA should be designated for gang members only so they can all just kill each other...Then they''ll see how "cool" it is.

[Krazcarl]

thgdriver your liberals did 0 for the country don''t get me wrong Bush is the worst president in my lifetime{50} makes Nixon look like a man of morals and I didn''t think that could ever happen agian and your respondsible. When thier running for office they promice the moon but when they get thier thier they don''t have to worry about us anymore...

[beehive21-2009]

Great illustration of man at his best,we kill you, you kill us,a revolving door of death.What me worry,prisons are a home coming ,where you see all your relatives and get that new tatoo,work on a tan, get ready for the battle upon release.until next time .We need to do something about the prison system,if a guy can order a hit ,he''s not in prison lock em down, get rid of the TV,and all contact with society,then hang,em.

[moose49304]

just one more sign that the end is near(the lord is coming)