A $20,000 reward was announced Thursday in an effort to find the men who fatally stabbed a 31-year-old man nearly two years ago in the Florence-Firestone area.
Lentrail Hicks was stabbed Nov. 9, 2020, in the 6700 block of South Compton Avenue.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department announced the reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of two men sought in the crime.
Sheriff's homicide detectives said they believe a dispute between the three men ended in the stabbing of Hicks, who died two days after the attack.
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The victim's girlfriend and mother spoke at a news conference to announce the reward.
“He didn’t deserve this,” said girlfriend Keith Duren. “He was a college grad. He was a Tuskegee football player. Great all-around student. He loved his daughter more than anything in the world."
Hicks played defensive back for Tuskegee University in Alabama after graduating from Locke High School in Los Angeles.
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“I’m not angry. I’m more hurt than anything,” said mother Paula Springer. “The anger has passed. My son was a loving father, devoted brother, a loving son, and he did not deserve this.
“Whatever you guys were going through out there, please come forward and let us know so Lentrail’s death won’t go in vain.”
The two attackers were described only as men between 18 and 22 years old. They left the scene in a 2005-2009 dark gray Toyota Prius, and were last seen heading west on 68th Street from Compton Avenue.
Anyone with information was asked to call LASD detectives at 323-890-5500. Tipsters can also call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.