A U.S. Navy veteran was murdered on a Los Angeles freeway while driving his family home from a night out with friends.
As law enforcement is struggling to identify suspects in the fatal shooting, the man’s girlfriend and toddler are depending on friends and family to help them through this senseless tragedy.
Carl Flenoy Jr. 28, was traveling with Bria Echols and their 14-month-old daughter Chance on Saturday, Jan. 28. Around 2 a.m., on the 405 Freeway off-ramp at La Tijeras Boulevard near the Los Angeles International Airport, that two men drove up behind them, according to ABC 7 News.
One of the men got out of his vehicle and approached the Inglewood couple’s car with his gun drawn. Flenoy, according to Echols, tried to save his family, but to no avail. He was shot in the head. He died as the car crashed into other vehicles.
“It happened all so fast,” the girlfriend said. “Carl hit the gas. I hear a shot, and then we hit another vehicle head-on. Immediately open the door, and we start yelling for help. I look over, and Carl is slumped. There’s blood everywhere. All over my phone, and he’s not responding.”
Authorities said about half a dozen shots were fired into the car, according to KTLA.
Echols says she believes there was “no reason” for anyone to want to harm them, submitting, “I believe it was a random act of violence or mistaken identity, ’cause I just can’t see any cause to why anyone would want to do this to Carl.”
Reports show the family had a peaceful dinner at a nearby restaurant. Flenoy had not gotten into any road rage spats that evening.
“There’s no reason to believe that somebody would be out to get him,” said Jay Wilson, the victim’s cousin. “That’s just something that would never cross our minds. It’s heartbreaking because he’s a good guy. He’s been in the Navy. He’s a great dad, great son, great big brother. Always had a smile on his face, so it’s…
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