NBA star Richard Jefferson’s father killed in a drive-by shooting in Compton

The father of former NBA star Richard Jefferson has reportedly been killed in a drive-by shooting in California. 

According to reports, Richard Jefferson Sr, 65, was standing outside a liquor store in Compton when he was gunned down on Wednesday evening.

TMZ reported that a vehicle drove up to the store around 6.52pm and someone inside opened fire. Richard’s father was shot several times in the torso and died a short time later after being rushed to a local hospital.

Officials from the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department said it’s still unclear if Jefferson Sr was the target because he was with two other men at the time.

An investigation into the murder is ongoing.

Jefferson who was born in South Central is a 17-year veteran in the NBA. His longest stint was with his first team, the New Jersey Nets (now known as the Brooklyn Nets), from 2001-2008.

He later spent three years with the San Antonio Spurs before eventually moving on to play for the Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz and the Dallas Mavericks. 

Jefferson joined the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2015 and earned his first championship ring in 2016 alongside basketball star LeBron James.