TV Show Leads to Arrest of Suspect in 1984 Slaying
A suspected gang member wanted in connection with three South Los Angeles homicides, including the 1984 shooting of a high school athlete, was arrested this week after a tip from a viewer of the television show “America’s Most Wanted.”
Edwin Oswald Smith, 30, was arrested Wednesday at his home in Lancaster by homicide detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department, said South Bureau Det. Carolyn Flamenco.
“I got a sense of relief [after hearing of the arrest],” said LeeBertha Pickett-Allen, mother of Earnest Pickett Jr.
Pickett was fatally wounded when he stepped into a shootout involving rival gang members while walking to baseball practice at Dorsey High School in January 1984.
Smith was scheduled to be arraigned Monday on three counts of murder, Flamenco said, including the death of Ronald Gregorie, 25, who police said was the intended victim when Pickett died.
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