Seaman Shot to Death in Run-In With Gang Members

A U.S. Navy seaman was shot and killed when he encountered gang members who were spray-painting a wall with graffiti in Carson, Los Angeles County sheriff’s officials said Saturday.

Alfred Kuhia Jr., 21, stationed in San Diego, was on his way to visit his mother in Torrance when the shooting occurred, relatives said. Kuhia had stopped in Carson to see his grandmother, they said.

Kuhia, his cousin and a Navy friend were going to a hamburger stand at about 9 p.m. Friday when they encountered gang members at 220th and Main streets, officials said.

The Navy friend, who asked not to be identified, said Kuhia asked one of the gang members, “What’s up?” He said another man came toward them over a fence and, after a verbal exchange, Kuhia and his two companions began running away.

The friend said he then heard a shot. “At that moment, everything went slow, and I saw (Kuhia) go down real slow,” the friend said.

Kuhia, who was shot in the upper body with a handgun, was pronounced dead at 9:27 p.m. Friday at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, according to Deputy George Ducoulombier. The suspects were still at large Saturday, he said.

Kuhia’s father, Alfred Kuhia Sr. of Buena Park, said his son attended high school in Carson and Buena Park. After graduating, he entered the Navy about two years ago and planned to become a dental hygienist, his father said.

“He was well respected by all,” his father said.

His mother, Linda Sherlock of Torrance, said Kuhia had joined the Navy to get away from gangs and drugs.