Slaying of Teen-Ager Heightens Neighborhood’s Fear of Gangs

Gwen Trenier has lived on a quiet, palm tree-lined street just south of Crenshaw High School for 16 years, seemingly insulated from the crime and gang-related violence that surrounds her neighborhood on four sides.

But for the first time she can remember, Trenier is fearful that youth gangs that operate at the fringes of her neighborhood may be moving closer. It is a concern shared by her neighbors and police after a teen-ager was killed Saturday night in Trenier’s front yard by gunshots fired from a passing car.

“That’s never happened here before,” said Trenier, who lives in the 4800 block of 9th Ave. with her mother, sister and a 4-year-old nephew. “Until I saw all the police lights and commotion, I thought it was just kids playing with firecrackers.”

Los Angeles police Detective Ken Crocker said the shooting might be the outgrowth of an argument between two rival groups in the neighborhood. But he said the victim, Marvin James Mcintosh, 19, lived most of his life within six blocks of Trenier’s home and did not appear to be affiliated with any known gang.

In addition, Crocker said, the neighborhood--with its tidy lawns and mostly owner-occupied homes--does not exhibit any of the outward signs of gang activity.

“There’s none of the graffiti and other markings that you see when gangs have invaded the territory,” Crocker said. “Established gangs completely surround the area but on 9th Avenue and a few blocks around, gangs really aren’t big. Right now, we’re just not sure if it’s gang-related or not.”

Charles Giles, who lives next door to Trenier, said Mcintosh was a close friend of Giles’ 19-year-old son and was visiting his home just before the shooting. Giles said his son, Mcintosh and a group of friends often spent entire evenings in his front yard.

“Basically, they’re pretty nice kids, but sometimes they get loud and I have to disperse them,” Giles said. “When they’re around, they seem to mind, but when they’re away, I don’t know what they do. But I don’t think Marvin and the others are in any gang.”

Some residents cited a strong neighborhood watch program as one reason gangs have not been active in the area. But others said several neighborhood teen-agers recently have become friendly with members of a gang whose turf is nearby.

Crocker said the department’s special youth gang detail has been aiding the investigation and two suspects are being sought.