The Alexander Family Murders
I found “The Alexander Family Murders” (by Paul Ciotti, Aug. 2) interesting. I do, however, take exception to a paragraph addressing the delinquents of the Rolling 60s and what turf they control. The report boldly says they “control everything from Western Avenue west to the Fox Hills Mall.” Control means to have the power to direct or regulate. No criminal element “controls” anything in the city of Culver City, especially in the Fox Hills area.
One way to ascertain which group is prominent in an area is to look at the graffiti. The lack of it indicates no one has marked out a territory. One can immediately tell when one enters our city due to the absence of this “self-expression in wall art.”
Another way to find out if gangs are in a particular area is to look at the rate of crimes of violence (homicides, robberies, assaults and rapes). Statistics show that the Fox Hills Mall is one of the safest malls in Los Angeles County. Despite a daily average of 40,000 people in and out of the mall, January through February, 1987, statistics show only eight incidents of violence. No known gang members were involved; no homicides, rapes or shootings were reported.
The gang problems in Los Angeles are bad enough. Let’s not give these hoodlums more credit than they deserve.
Lt. John A. Montanio,
Culver City Police Department
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