Tiequon "Lil Fee" Cox – Rolling 60's Crips

The Life of Taekwon "Little Fee" Cox

Early Life and Trauma

• Taekwon Cox, known as Little Fee, was born in Los Angeles on December 1, 1965, to a teenage mother who attempted to murder him at age three. His childhood was marked by severe trauma.

• By the age of 23, he became a notorious member of the Rolling 60s Crips and engaged in violent conflicts with legendary gangsters like Monster Cody.

• Little Fee's legacy is defined by a brutal gang massacre that resulted in his death sentence; he ended up running the prison yard against Stanley "Tookie" Williams.

• The environment surrounding Cox's upbringing was rife with violence and substance abuse, deeply affecting his family history.

Family Background

• Violence permeated Cox's family history; one great-grandfather committed quintuple murder over gambling disputes while another died violently during a barroom brawl.

• Intergenerational trauma affected not only Cox but also his mother, who faced extreme abuse and addiction issues throughout her life.

Mother's Struggles

• Cox’s mother had a traumatic childhood filled with violence and substance abuse. She suffered from mental illness even before giving birth to him at age 17.

• After being paroled from juvenile detention for drug-related offenses, she met Cox's father at a party where he was conceived that same night.

Childhood Abuse

• From ages zero to five, Cox experienced significant trauma; his mother was arrested multiple times and involved in numerous violent incidents witnessed by him.

• At just three years old, he witnessed his mother's suicide attempt by gas poisoning. He also saw her engage in violent altercations with men throughout his early years.

State Intervention

• By age six, state authorities intervened due to the abusive environment; Cox and his siblings were removed from their mother's custody and placed with their great-grandmother.

Childhood Trauma and Gang Involvement: The Story of Cox

Early Life Challenges

• Cox's childhood was marked by severe restrictions, including being forced to use a pot instead of a bathroom. His great-grandmother had a volatile temper and would physically punish him and his siblings for minor infractions.

• Emotional abuse was prevalent; Cox's great-grandmother repeatedly told him that no one in the family loved them except her, contributing to deep-seated feelings of worthlessness.

School Experience

• Despite a tumultuous home life, Cox showed promise at Horusman Junior High, which was notorious for its violence. He excelled in athletics and was recognized as having potential by teachers.

• His distinctive appearance—light skin, green eyes, and red-tinted hair—made him a target for bullying. This led to fights as he struggled to navigate an environment where violence was common.

Shift Towards Violence

• By 8th grade, the pressures from schoolyard conflicts and gang influences began affecting Cox's behavior negatively; he started extorting younger students and wearing gang colors.

• At age 14, overwhelmed by his oppressive home life, he ran away to live with his grandmother. This decision marked the beginning of his involvement with gangs.

Joining the Rolling 60s Crips

• After moving in with his grandmother, Cox officially joined the Rolling 60s Crips—a prominent street gang in South Central Los Angeles known for its large membership and violent reputation.

• The Rolling 60s are part of a larger network of gangs in Los Angeles called the neighborhood Crip umbrella. They have numerous cliques within their organization.

Gang Culture Dynamics

• Upon joining the gang, Cox adopted the street name "Little Fee," following a tradition where younger members take on names from respected older members as a sign of respect.

• Little Fee’s older counterpart "Big Fee" shared similar physical traits but tragically lost his life shortly after Little Fee joined the gang.

Escalation into Criminal Activity

• Following his initiation into gang life, Little Fee quickly became involved in violent crime; testimonies later indicated he may have killed multiple individuals during this period.

• His first documented crime occurred at age 15 when he robbed junior high students using weapons like fists and mop handles—indicative of escalating aggression stemming from personal trauma.

Serious Offenses Begin

• In May 1981, Little Fee committed more serious crimes including carjacking while armed; this incident highlighted both desperation and anger towards society that had neglected him.

The Rise and Fall of Little Fee

Early Life and Rehabilitation

• Little Fee underwent a weightlifting regimen aimed at adding 45 lbs of muscle over three years, eventually moving to Chino's youth training center in 1983.

• After his release on parole in March 1984, he returned to live with his great-grandmother but soon fell back into criminal behavior.

Gang Conflicts and Shootouts

• In August 1984, Little Fee was involved in a public shootout with rival gang member Monster Cody, highlighting the violent gang culture of Los Angeles.

• The two had previously encountered each other while incarcerated but only clashed after their release when they met again on the streets.

The Public Shootout Incident

• On the day of the shootout, Monster Cody was caught off guard by Little Fee and his gang members while watching street races.

• Despite being unarmed initially, Monster Cody managed to retrieve his gun and opened fire on Little Fee's group; however, both parties exchanged gunfire without sustaining injuries.

Prelude to the 59th Street Massacre

• Just days after the shootout, Little Fee committed a crime that would define his legacy: the infamous 59th Street Massacre.

• To understand this event fully, one must consider its roots dating back to an incident involving Valerie Taylor who was paralyzed during a shooting at her birthday celebration.

The Contract Hit

• Valerie Taylor filed a $2.1 million lawsuit against multiple parties following her injury; this prompted club owner Diamond Jack Jackson to put out a hit on her.

• An 18-year-old Little Fee agreed to carry out this contract alongside two older gang members known for their violent reputations.

Execution of the Crime

• On August 31st, 1984, Little Fee teamed up with Darren Williams (C Dub) and Horse Burns for what would become one of LA's most notorious gang massacres.

The Fatal Mistake: A Tragic Encounter

The Drive to West 59th Street

• During the drive, Brown overheard men in the backseat discussing their intent to kill everyone in a house. Despite this, he followed Williams' instructions to continue driving towards West 59th Street.

• Upon arrival, Williams pulled out a piece of paper with an address scribbled on it—136 West 59th Street, the target location where Valerie Taylor lived and had a $60,000 contract on her head.

Approaching the Wrong House

• At approximately 7:00 a.m., Williams and Little Fee exited the van; Little Fee carried an M1 rifle wrapped in a blue jacket while Williams had a handgun tucked into his waistband.

• A neighbor observed two men walking down 59th Street that morning. She described Little Fee as light-skinned with braids and wearing a red and tan shirt, while Williams was noted as short with darker skin and muscular build.

• Unbeknownst to them, they were approaching the wrong house; they intended for Valerie Taylor's residence at 136 West 59th Street but mistakenly approached 126 West 59th Street, home of Abor Alexander.

Who Was Abor Alexander?

• Abor Alexander was the mother of former NFL player Kermit Alexander. He was an All-American football player who played ten seasons in the NFL before retiring in 1973.

• Beyond her son's fame, Abor was defined by her faith and commitment to community service. Originally from Louisiana, she raised eleven children alone while working at St. Vincent's Hospital.

The Irony of Fate

• Despite pleas from her grown children to move for safety reasons, Abor refused to leave her church parish because she took pride in her community—a stark contrast to what Little Fee lacked in his life.

• Tragically ironic, Little Fee was about to destroy everything he had been searching for when he approached Abor's home that fateful morning.

The Morning of August 31st

• On that day, several family members were present at Abor’s home: her son Neil Alexander and grandson Ivan Bonner were sleeping; Dietra Alexander (her daughter), along with two grandsons Deani Garner and Damon Bonner were also there.

• That morning began like any other; Abor started watering plants on her porch and making breakfast while leaving the front door open due to summer heat.

The Invasion

• When Kermit failed to arrive as expected due to oversleeping, Abor called out his name upon hearing the screen door open but received no response—unbeknownst that danger lurked instead.

• Little Fee and Williams entered through the unlocked screen door armed with guns ready for violence against their intended target but found themselves face-to-face with innocent victims instead.

The Attack

• Inside the kitchen, Little Fee encountered Abor sitting at the table enjoying breakfast. Without warning or words exchanged, he shot her three times at point blank range using a military-grade weapon.

8-Year-Old Damon Executed: A Tragic Incident

The Initial Attack

• An 8-year-old named Damon was executed while sleeping, alongside his family. Neil Alexander, who heard the gunfire and screams, rushed to help.

• During a struggle with the assailant, identified as "little Fe," Neil managed to wrestle him to the ground but left behind crucial evidence—a palm print on a trunk.

The Aftermath of Violence

• Ivan Bonner, another family member, hid in a closet during the attack. He listened to the chaos unfold until it was safe to emerge.

• Upon exiting his hiding place, Ivan discovered the horrific scene of his murdered relatives and waited for Neil's return before contacting authorities.

Little Fe's Chilling Calm

• Following the massacre, little Fe displayed an unsettling calmness as he walked down the street with a rifle in hand and later got into a van.

• At around 9:00 AM that day, just after the killings, Williams instructed Brown to bring his car to their location at Vermont Club.

Disposing of Evidence

• Little Fe received an M1 rifle from someone at Vermont Club and took steps to conceal evidence by wrapping it in a jacket.

• He directed James Kennedy (nicknamed "Little Catman") to dispose of the rifle and clean any gunpowder residue from his jacket.

Financial Transactions Post-Massacre

• Despite claiming financial difficulties earlier, Williams exhibited newfound wealth by purchasing items post-massacre and giving money for personal care expenses.

• Little Fe made significant purchases shortly after including a $3,000 Cadillac convertible paid in cash.

Discovery of Bodies and Community Reaction

• Police arrived at the Alexander home to find four victims shot execution-style; all had been shot in the head.

• The community reacted with horror as news spread about this brutal act against an innocent family amidst ongoing gang violence.

Impact on Kermit Alexander

• Kermit Alexander faced immense guilt over not being present during the attack; he felt responsible for not protecting his family.

• His mother’s death due to this senseless violence deeply affected him; she had always supported his football career.

Investigation Insights

• Detectives believed experienced killers were involved due to precision shooting—only eight rounds were used for four victims.

59th Street Massacre: The Investigation Unfolds

Kermit Alexander's Struggles

• Kermit Alexander, a high-profile family member, faced public scrutiny as potential suspect in the murder of his family, causing him significant mental distress.

• The killers remained at large while Alexander dealt with accusations against him from the community.

Early Investigation Developments

• Police were unaware that they had already arrested the actual killer, Little Fee, during a traffic stop on September 6th, 1984.

• Little Fee was incarcerated in the notorious 4800 module of LA County Jail known for violence and gang activity.

Life in Jail and Military Training

• The 4800 module housed various gang members including Crips; Little Fee engaged in intense military-style training to stand out among inmates.

• His physical appearance (light skin, green eyes) led to perceptions of weakness within the African-American community due to Willy Lynch syndrome.

Demeanor and Reputation

• Little Fee's cold demeanor made him a target for testing by other inmates; he maintained hyper-vigilance and never let his guard down.

• Monster Cody described Little Fee as having reptilian features—cold eyes and an expressionless face—highlighting his intimidating presence.

Breakthrough Moments in the Case

• A key breakthrough occurred when Burns bragged about the murders to women, leading one to contact police after realizing his involvement.

• Another critical moment happened on September 27th when LAPD officers discovered a teenager hiding with a gun linked to the massacre.

Arrest and Charges

• The weapon found was identified as an M1 rifle used by Little Fee during the killings; it bore markings suggesting ties to local gangs.

• Under pressure from detectives regarding the weapon's use in a homicide, James Kennedy revealed that Little Fee had given him the gun.

Legal Proceedings Begin

• On October 22nd, 1984, charges were filed against Little Fee for four counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances qualifying for death penalty consideration.

• Following this arrest, Burns was also charged similarly after police searched for hidden money related to contract killing activities.

Further Developments Post-Arrest

• Williams fled due to guilt over his involvement but was tracked down by LAPD detectives; he provided extensive statements implicating himself and others.

The Trials of Burns and Little Fee

The Mistakes Leading to Conviction

• During the trials, critical evidence emerged regarding Burns' attempts to communicate with Little Fee while in jail. He sent a 10-page kite that was intercepted by police, revealing incriminating details and a request for testimony against him.

• Burns expressed intentions to kill key witnesses Emir and Lisa Brown once released, showcasing his reckless behavior in jail where he openly discussed plans to eliminate jurors and prosecutors.

• In May 1985, Burns testified in his defense, portraying himself as a victim manipulated by others. He claimed he remained in the van during the massacre but failed to convince the jury.

• Ultimately convicted on four counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances, Burns received a life sentence without parole instead of the death penalty.

Little Fee's Trial Challenges

• Little Fee's trial began on November 22, 1985, under high tension due to perceived threats from gang members planning a jailbreak. Security measures were heightened significantly.

• Public perception was heavily against Little Fee; media portrayed him as a cold-blooded killer. His public defender struggled with communication issues that hindered his defense strategy.

• The strained relationship between Little Fee and his lawyer led some observers to believe there was a breach of attorney-client privilege due to lack of cooperation from Little Fee.

Courtroom Behavior and Prosecution's Case

• At trial's start, concerns about safety led Little Fee’s lawyer to suggest shackling him. His courtroom behavior included wearing prison attire against advice and making gang signs.

• Throughout proceedings, Little Fee corrected the judge multiple times over mispronunciations of his name, which contributed negatively to his image before the jury.

• The prosecution built its case using witness testimonies describing suspects' appearances consistent with both physical evidence and eyewitness accounts linking them directly to the crime scene.

Key Testimonies and Evidence

• A crucial teenage witness testified seeing both Williams and Little Fee approaching the Alexander home shortly before gunfire erupted. This account provided significant context for their involvement.

• Contradictory descriptions from surviving victims suggested that one shooter matched Williams rather than Little Fee. This discrepancy became pivotal for appeal strategies later on.

• Witnesses like Warren Brown provided detailed accounts implicating both defendants in planning and executing the massacre while also detailing actions taken post-crime regarding evidence disposal.

Damning Physical Evidence

• Investigators linked physical evidence directly back to Little Fee through ballistics matching bullets found at the scene with those fired from weapons associated with him.

• Additional evidence included fingerprints found on items connected to victims just prior to their deaths along with recovery of vehicles used during criminal activities after anonymous tips surfaced.

Tension During Closing Arguments

• As closing arguments unfolded, tensions peaked when emotional outbursts occurred from family members present in court. This highlighted not only personal stakes but also courtroom dynamics affecting proceedings.

Trial of Little Fee: A Tragic Journey

The Courtroom Dynamics

• During the trial, Little Fee expressed his discontent with the proceedings, stating he understood that while they didn't have to kill him, it was a possibility.

• Kerid Alexander's sister recognized Little Fee as a talented young football player from years ago, highlighting an extraordinary connection between past potential and present tragedy.

Background of Little Fee

• Alexander noted that Little Fee exhibited exceptional talent on the football field but also displayed troubling behavior, including violent outbursts after scoring.

• The courtroom irony deepened when it was revealed that the troubled child Alexander once hoped to save had grown into the man accused of murdering his family.

Defense Strategy

• Acknowledging the likelihood of conviction, Little Fee's lawyer aimed to secure a life sentence instead of death by focusing on mitigating circumstances.

• The defense argued there was reasonable doubt regarding whether Little Fee was actually the shooter based on witness descriptions matching another individual.

Mitigating Evidence and Verdict

• Despite arguments about coercion and pressure from an older accomplice, crucial evidence about Little Fee's troubled background was not presented effectively.

• After a brief deliberation, the jury found Little Fee guilty of four counts of first-degree murder; family members testified about his difficult upbringing during sentencing.

Sentencing Outcomes

• On February 18th, 1986, despite pleas for mercy based on his childhood experiences, the jury sentenced Little Fee to death.

• The judge described him as one of California's most dangerous killers and warned he would likely kill again if given the chance.

The Transformation Behind Bars

Life in San Quentin

• Following his conviction, Williams' trial portrayed him as manipulated by others; he too received a death sentence for similar charges.

Evolution into a Prison Leader

• In prison, Little Fee transformed from an abused child into a dominant figure within San Quentin’s notorious death row environment.

• He became influential among inmates by organizing activities and leading fitness exercises in prison yard settings.

Notable Incidents in Prison

Conflict on Death Row: The Power Struggle Between Little Fee and Tiki

Introduction to the Conflict

• The narrative begins with a foiled attack on correctional officers, highlighting the volatile environment of death row.

• In 1988, Little Fee's conflict with Stanley "Tiki" Williams reshaped power dynamics among inmates, particularly within the Crips gang.

• Tiki was an influential figure in San Quentin and sought to organize Crip members amidst rising tensions between various gangs.

Rise of the Crips in Prison

• Upon Little Fee's arrival at San Quentin, he found himself in a power struggle with Tiki, who commanded Yard One while Little Fee took control of Yard Two.

• Tiki ordered Little Fee to eliminate his co-defendant Darren C. Dub Williams, suspected of being an informant; however, this order led to a violent confrontation instead.

The Attack on Tiki

• In October 1988, armed with a concealed shank, Little Fee attacked Tiki as he left the exercise yard, slashing him in the neck.

• Despite sustaining injuries, Tiki survived and feigned memory loss during questioning by guards. This incident caused a split among the Crips on death row.

Escalation of Violence

• Years later, tensions escalated again when Blood gang members were transferred to Little Fee's yard after conflicts elsewhere.

• A confrontation occurred when Anthony "Dog" Bankston attempted to show respect but was met with violence from Rosco (Little Fee’s associate), leading to further retaliation from Blood members.

Ambush and Retaliation

• On October 25th, 1998, Little Fee and Ken Dog were ambushed by Blood members but managed to fend off their attackers despite being outnumbered.

• Following this ambush, on October 26th, Little Fee retaliated by stabbing one of his assailants through his cell bars using a homemade spear.

Continued Violence Against Guards

• In July 2000, alongside two accomplices from the Crips gang, Little Fee attempted another assault against prison guards using improvised weapons after escaping confinement briefly.

The Transformation of Little Fee: From Victim to Victimizer

The Incident and Its True Motive

• The incident is often mischaracterized as a prison escape attempt; however, Rosco clarifies that the true motive was to break into the adjustment center and kill guards, reflecting an intent for pure violence rather than escape.

Impact on Adjustment Center Policies

• Following the incident, significant changes were implemented in the adjustment center's rules, including the elimination of group exercise yards and restrictions on inmates only being allowed to walk alone.

Context of Violence in Urban Centers

• In the 1980s, many young Black men faced similar dire circumstances—absent fathers, addicted mothers, abusive homes—which contributed to a cycle of violence. While many did not become killers, enough did to create a troubling generational pattern.

Broader American Tragedy

• The story of victims like Alexander Deone Garner and Damon Boner should be remembered not just as individual tragedies but as part of a larger narrative about systemic failures affecting children across America.

The Cycle of Trauma and Terror

• Little Fee’s journey illustrates how trauma can transform into terror on the streets. This reflects Tupac Shakur's sentiment about "Thug Life," emphasizing how societal neglect can lead individuals down violent paths.

Conclusion: Understanding Thug Life