Los Angeles, California
TAXI DRIVER SLAIN AND CAB STOLEN
A taxicab driver was shot in the back on a West Los Angeles street last night and lived only long enough to give police a sketchy account of what happened.
Oliver W. Weathers, 50, of 324 N Rural Drive, Monterey Park, a driver for the Yellow Cab Co. for 22 years, died 15 minutes after arrival at Santa Monica Hospital.
He was found lying in the street near the gutter on Homedale St., 50 feet from the corner of busy Sepulveda Blvd., by residents, who heard his cries of "Help! I've been shot!" His taxicab was missing.
Questioned at the hospital by Dets. W. E. Walker and H. Brittingham, Weathers said he picked up a fare at the Rosslyn Hotel. He described the man as about 35, wearing a light suit and a straw hat.
He said he drove to West Los Angeles and, at the passenger's instructions, turned from Sepulveda Blvd. into Homedale St. Because it appeared to be a dead-end street, Weathers said, he stopped the cab.
The man suddenly got out, fired a single shot and drove off with the cab. The bullet, believed to be a 38-caliber, entered the right side of Weather's back and emerged from his chest.
Police immediately began a search for the stolen cab. Weathers' wallet, containing nearly $7, was not disturbed.