16-year-old stabbed to death at LAPD fundraising carnival

A 16-year-old was fatally stabbed by another teen during a summer carnival in the Palms community that was being held as a fundraiser for the Los Angeles Police Department’s Pacific Division station and youth programs, multiple sources said.

The stabbing was reported around 10:30 p.m. Saturday, June 22 near the intersection of Venice Boulevard and Keystone Avenue, which was shutdown shortly afterward, according to NBC4.

Witnesses said there was a fight just before a 15-year-old boy stabbed the victim multiple times.

The injured teen was taken to a nearby hospital where he died from his injuries, KTLA5 reported.

Authorities believe the stabbing was gang-related.

There was a large police presence at the event, but LAPD Officer Christian Faulkner told CBS2, “there are windows of opportunity, unfortunately, that suspects can find and we can only cover so much of an area ….”

The suspect remains at large and no description was released.

The stabbing occurred on the second day of a three-day event advertised as the Palms Community Weekend and Summer Carnival, co-hosted by the Pacific Area Boosters Association, the Motor Avenue Association and L.A. City Council District 5, which is represented by Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky.

The primary sponsor, the Pacific Area Boosters Association, is described as an organization of business professionals and community members that was incorporated in 1973 and supports the LAPD’s Pacific Division.

The pop-up carnival was scheduled for June 21-23 on Venice Boulevard between Overland and Motor avenues.

“This groundbreaking, first of a kind event promises to be a celebration of community, connection, and pure excitement, marking the beginning of a new tradition in our vibrant neighborhood,” the Motor Avenue Association said on its website. “With your support, we’ll create memories, forge connections, and build a legacy that lasts far beyond this unforgettable weekend.”

Carnival-goers could purchase 20 tickets in advance for $20.

All funds raised support the LAPD Pacific Cadet / Junior Cadet Programs and the needs of the Pacific Division officers and station, organizers said. The Junior Cadets program serves youths ages 9 through 12 who want to know more about the law enforcement. The main cadet program serves youths 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.

The weekend carnival shut down early Saturday but was expected to resume Sunday as scheduled.