22 L.A. Riot-Related Homicides Remain Unsolved, Including One in Pomona

Officially, 53 people died in the violence that broke out during the L.A. Riots 20 years ago, with 22 riot-related homicides remaining unsolved.

One of those homicides took place in Pomona.

Meeker Mardah Gibson was killed on either April 30 or May 1, 1992, at 1040 E. Holt Avenue. Gibson, a 35-year-old black man, was found dead at a Pomona gas station on May 1. His body was slumped against a wall of the station, and it appeared that he was using a pay phone when he took a shotgun blast to the chest.

Gibson left behind a wife. No witnesses have stepped forward, and no suspects were identified. According to the Pomona Police Department, the case is still open. Anyone with information can call 909-622-1241.

Gibson left behind a wife. No witnesses stepped forward. No suspects were identified. 

Nearly 1,600 buildings were destroyed or damaged and some 2,300 people were injured -- mostly over the first three days. The damage was estimated at more than $1 billion, including $735 million in property damage.

Of the 53 people killed, 35 died from gunshot wounds, including eight people fatally shot by law enforcement officers and two killed by National Guard soldiers. Six others died in arson fires. Two people were beaten to death with sticks and boards. Two were stabbed to death and one was strangled. Six died in car accidents and two in hit-and-runs.

The victims included 25 blacks, 16 Hispanics, eight whites, two Asians, one Algerian and one Indian-American.