Los Angeles, California – Two men are now facing murder charges in connection with the fatal shooting of a man at a restaurant in downtown Los Angeles. The victim, Sidney Barrett Morris, 43, was shot and killed at Fixins Soul Kitchen on West Olympic Boulevard. The incident took place on November 28, and the suspects, Phillip Pasco Clark and Santana Jermaine Kelly, have been charged with murder and conspiracy to commit a crime.
During their arraignment, both Clark and Kelly pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court scheduled a preliminary hearing for April 25 to further investigate the case. Authorities alleged that Clark entered the restaurant and shot Morris, who was dining alone, before fleeing the scene in a vehicle driven by another person.
Kelly, on the other hand, is also facing an additional felony charge of arson for allegedly attempting to destroy evidence by setting fire to the getaway car the day after the shooting. Both suspects are currently being held on high bail amounts, with Clark’s set at $3.06 million and Kelly’s at $4.06 million. It remains unclear if they have legal representation at this time.
The motive behind the shooting has not been disclosed to the public. However, the Los Angeles County District Attorney expressed shock and devastation over the incident, emphasizing a commitment to holding those responsible for the crime accountable. Fixins Soul Kitchen, where the tragic event occurred, released a statement expressing condolences to Morris’ family and highlighting his contributions to promoting inclusivity and harmony.
Owned by former NBA player and Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, Fixins Soul Kitchen is now dealing with the aftermath of the shooting that claimed Morris’ life. As the legal proceedings continue, the community awaits further updates on the case and the pursuit of justice for the victim.