Memorial Services Held Wednesday for Slain Pasadena Man

Monte Russell, who died from gunshot wounds on August 21 in a parking lot along East Washington Boulevard as he went for a haircut, is being memorialized in a funeral service today at Forest Lawn in Glendale.

The family and friends of the 38-year-old former gang member had to turn to carwashes and a Go Fund Me account set up by Russell’s sister, Kristina Hale, to raise money for the funeral.

Out of $10,000 needed for them to bury Russell, the account has raised $7,520 over the last ten days.

Russell’s mother, Yvonne Trice, says he had been involved in gangs when he was younger but that he had “turned his life around,” gotten a job in Altadena and was a responsible father to his young daughter.

Writing an update on the Go Fund Me account Wednesday morning, Russell’s sister Kristina Haile said, “We would like to share our deepest gratitude with each and every one of you for your generosity towards and love for Monte, may he rest easy in God’s arms.”

Police are still investigating the killing. Pasadena Police Lieutenant Terysa Rojas said Wednesday that no motive has been established as of yet for Russell’s shooting and no arrests have been made.