A black man who raised two sons and mentored countless others, gunned down on his lawn on Christmas day. SMH. This is that bullisht for real. Only 49-years-old, McClinton grew up without a father, but thanks to the Pasadena sports program he created, hundreds of kids counted and depended on him. Via L.A. Times reports : At 11 o’clock on Christmas morning, 18-year law enforcement technician Victor McClinton was shot and killed outside his Pasadena home as he walked a holiday well-wisher and fellow coach to his car in the 1900 block of Newport Avenue. According to the Pasadena Police Department, McClinton was struck by gunfire meant for a former gang member who was in the vicinity but not associated with McClinton or the visiting coach. The target of the shooting, whom police identified as Damion Taylor, 24, was struck and wounded. “There’s no indication to believe McClinton was involved in any type of activity that would warrant anyone to shoot him,” said Deputy Chief Darryl Qualls. Friends and neighbors were still reeling from the news of McClinton’s death. “I was overwhelmed with shock and grief that such a selfless man could be taken,” said Glenn Crawford, 57, who coached in the Brotherhood Community Youth Sports League for 10 years. “It’s just senseless. He would literally take the shirt off his back for you.” On Wednesday, a small memorial of votive candles and flowers was arranged on the sidewalk in front of McClinton’s home. Theresa Overing said she stopped by to bring food and offer her support to the family. “Victor was one of the finest men, he stood taller than the rest,” she said. Overing, a Pasadena resident, said she got to know McClinton through the youth sports league he founded. Her three sons had played basketball there over the last 10 years. “When you run [programs for] hundreds of kids every year, all on volunteer time, there are hundreds of families that have been impacted by Victor,” Overing said. Lorraine Valenzuela, McClinton’s neighbor of seven years, said she was in her living room on Christmas Day when she heard the first shot. “I looked out the window and I saw him drop,” she said. Valenzuela said she heard about eight more shots as she ran to the back of her house. “In general the area is nice,” she said. “We’ve been hearing [gunshots] lately, though.” McClinton is survived by his wife, Shelly, and two adult sons, Kristian and Kameron, an official said. He was assigned to court services. “He was an extraordinary employee,” said Steve Whitmore, a Sheriff’s Department spokesman. “We lost a member of our family. It’s a tragic loss.” McClinton was a graduate of Verbum Dei High School and attended Pasadena City College, majoring in recreation and administration of justice, according to the program’s website. Authorities said they did not have any suspects in the case but were investigating whether there is a link to a second fatal incident that occurred later in the day in the same area. Shortly before being shot, McClinton wished his friends a merry Christmas on Facebook. “Please let’s not forget those less fortunate than us and those who have lost loved ones,” he wrote. “Say a prayer for all. May God bless you in the upcoming year.” This story hurts us to our hearts. This gun violence has got to stop. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Photo Credit: BHCSports.org
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Stop The Violence: 49-Year-Old Pasadena Coach Gunned Down Outside His Home As He Walked Friend To Car On Christmas Day
