Teenager stabbed to death at LAPD fundraiser

PALMS – An 18-year-old man was fatally stabbed during an impromptu carnival in the Palms neighborhood of Los Angeles held as a fundraiser for the Los Angeles Police Department’s Pacific Division Station and youth programs, multiple sources reported Sunday.

According to NBC4, the stabbing was reported around 11 p.m. Saturday near the intersection of Venice Boulevard and Keystone Avenue, which was closed shortly afterward.

Witnesses said there was an altercation immediately before the stabbing, but further details were not available.

Police told NBC4 that the man suffered a stab wound to the abdomen and died of his injuries at the scene.

There was no information about the suspect and it was unclear whether anyone had been arrested.

The stabbing occurred on the second day of a three-day event billed as the “Palms Community Weekend and Summer Carnival,” co-hosted by the Pacific Area Boosters Association, the Motor Avenue Association and the 5th Los Angeles City Council, represented by Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky.

The primary sponsor, the Pacific Area Boosters Association, is described as an organization of business and community members founded in 1973 to support the LAPD’s Pacific Division.

The impromptu carnival was planned for June 21-23 on Venice Boulevard between Overland Avenue and Motor Avenue. The scheduled times were Friday 5-11 p.m., Saturday 2-11 p.m. and Sunday 2-10 p.m.

“This groundbreaking, one-of-a-kind event promises to be a celebration of community, connection and pure excitement, and marks the beginning of a new tradition in our vibrant neighborhood,” the Motor Avenue Association noted on its website. “With your support, we will create memories, forge connections and build a legacy that will last well beyond this unforgettable weekend.”

Carnival visitors could buy 20 tickets in advance for $20.

All funds raised benefit the LAPD Pacific Cadet/Jr Cadet Programs and the needs of the Pacific Area Officers & Station. The Junior Cadet Program is for youth ages 9-12 who want to learn more about law enforcement. The Major Cadet Program is for youth ages 13-17.

In addition to Palms, the LAPD’s Pacific Division includes the communities of Venice, Westchester, Del Rey, Manchester Square, Mar Vista, Oakwood, Playa del Rey and Playa Vista.

Following the stabbing, the weekend’s carnival was ended early Saturday morning and it was unclear whether the event would continue as planned on Sunday.

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