Jolene Thurton, the vibrant 30-year-old owner of a beloved Caribbean restaurant in South Los Angeles, was fatally stabbed on July 17, leaving behind a grieving community and a heartbroken family searching for answers.
Thurton, known for her warmth and her passion for bringing authentic Jamaican and Belizean flavors to her neighborhood, was discovered unresponsive around 8:53 p.m. in the 1200 block of West 87th Street, just west of Vermont Avenue in the Westmont area. She was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department initially responded to reports of gunfire, but her family later confirmed that she had been stabbed. The department has not released a suspect description, and the investigation remains ongoing.
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Thurton’s death has sent shockwaves through South L.A., where her restaurant, Pepper’s Jamaican-Belizean Cuisine, was more than just a place to eat — it was a gathering spot for locals craving the tastes of the Caribbean and the feeling of home.
“She brought joy through her food,”
Thurton’s sister said during an emotional press conference outside the restaurant.
“She was full of life. And she didn’t deserve this.”
Located on W Slauson Avenue, Pepper’s quickly gained a devoted following for its flavorful dishes like jerk chicken, oxtail, escovitch fish, and curry goat — all made from scratch with fresh ingredients. The restaurant, closed on Tuesdays and open through Sunday, was known for its island-inspired ambiance and heartwarming service.
On social media, longtime customers and community members have paid tribute to the late entrepreneur. “She was a light,” one user wrote. “You felt her love in every plate.”
The restaurant’s Instagram bio reads: “Home-style Caribbean cuisine with island warmth.” For many, that warmth came directly from Jolene — in her smile, cooking, and unwavering commitment to sharing her culture.
The case is being investigated by the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau under Lt. Steven De Jong. Authorities are asking anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or online at lacrimestoppers.org.
For now, a community mourns. Flowers and candles have begun to line the sidewalk outside Pepper’s. Inside, an empty kitchen holds the echoes of a young woman who turned food into love and a restaurant into a legacy.