Bloods

Patrick F. McManimon Jr.

The “Bloods” gang was founded by Sylvester Scott and Vincent Owens in Piru Street, Compton, Los Angeles, in the 1960s in response to another group known as the “Crips.” As a criminal organization, the Bloods are known to be involved in murder, theft, robberies, extortion, and drug sales. Originally consisting mostly of African Americans and some Latinos, the group evolved to include a full range of ethnicities including white, Asian, and Caribbean persons. Individuals who wish to join the Bloods must “Blood in” by either spilling their own blood or that of someone else. This must be done by some violent act including battle between the recruit and another gang member or by an act against a non–gang member. As in any organization, a recruit must demonstrate loyalty and obedience to the group starting with this first act. The Bloods are part of separate cliques or “sets” depending on where ...

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