Fred Taft

A year later, despite a five-figure reward ($10,000 recently extended by the L.A. County Bd. of Supervisors plus a $20,000 reward by LB's City Council that we presume remains in effect (in our opinion should be publicly extended), Fred Taft's killer remains at large.

In November 2018, LBPD released a suspect sketch, below. They describe the suspect as a white male in his 50s, about 6 feet tall, with a medium build (and at the time possibly wearing a dark shirt, light shorts and a hat.)

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Audrena Redmond of Black Lives Matter Long Beach posted this on the group's Facebook page:

With heavy heart in remembrance of Frederick Taft #JusticeforFredrick #BLMLBC

One year ago today on July 21, 2018 the family of beloved Frederick Taft was reeling. Their annual family reunion was disrupted with the malicious murder of Frederick Taft in the restroom at Pan American Park in the Lakewood Village neighborhood of Long Beach. We extend again our deepest condolences to the Taft family, especially his daughter Corie and her children. To the many of you who asked whether we would be organizing a public remembrance the family has chosen to mark this day privately and we must honor their wishes.

Fred's family and Black Lives Matter Long Beach remain committed to the fact that Fred's death was a hate crime. Last August BLM-LBC and compassionate members of the LV community heard the families cry that Fred's murder was a hate crime. We worked with the Taft family to organize two community walks, which we believed prompted LBPD to act more responsibly. They finally canvassed the neighborhood the day before our first walk and only after that was there a press conference and announcement of a $50,000 reward. The murderer is still on the loose!

We urge Lakewood Village residents and users of the Pan American Park to be vigilant. STAND UP gossipy talk like that on the troll of all troll websites Neighborhood Nextdoor following Fred's murder. STAND UP against explicit hateful graffiti and hate group emblems and phrasings on stickers and flags in the park and around the neighborhood. STAND UP against signs in your neighborhood telling you to call the cops on people who don't "look" like they belong. STAND UP against an LBPD that at first was dismissing the murder because they didn't know if it were gang related (a question too often asked of Black men) and thus slow to respond responsibly.

While we remain disappointed that Fred's murder is still on the loose and the family has known no justice, we rejoice that so many knew his love and light. Fred was a beloved member of his family and community. His daughter, grandchildren, sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews and friends miss him dearly.

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Earlier today, in a beautiful private event, familymembers organized by Mr. Taft's nieces, nephews, siblings and daughter's family assembled to launch multiple balloons skyward, a display of continuing remembrance and commitment to pursue justice for Fred Taft.

Dawn Modkins said on the Justice For Fredrick Facebook page: "We see you, we hold you, we got you. May your family thrive in your honor. May your killer(s) (and those who sand blindly by) be tended to accordingly."

Other community members posted these comments:

While I think of Fred every day when I drive past the park, the space around me feels different today. This man whom I've never met has changed my life. Thinking of the family and sending all the love I have as you cross this anniversary.

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1 year later and still no cameras up in that park and we ask why??? Fred Taft was a decent man who'd brighten up any room he walked into and loved everyone but some low life coward killed him while using the public restroom in the park at his most vulnerable state and is still roaming free, hmmm makes me wonder if it was cop who did this :( Rest well soldier and keep flying high with the lord. You are truly missed and loved.

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Holding all of you in my heart today, and lifting Frederick up in congregational prayers this weekend. Much love.

Each day is a day LBREPORT.com hopes to report that the person who so cruelly took Mr. Taft's life is arrested and brought to justice for the horrific crime he committed against Mr. Taft, his family, his many friends and the entire community.

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