After the tragic loss of Keith Lawrence, a former Raider, the Moorpark College basketball program has retired Lawrence’s jersey to honor his memory.
Lawrence and his fiancée, Monica Quan were brutally gunned down in the parking structure of their Irvine apartment complex on Feb. 3. Police believe the gunman to be ex-police officer Christopher Dorner who is still at large and seeking revenge against the LAPD and Quan’s father who represented him in his dismissal trial held by the Board of Rights.
Lawrence played at Moorpark College from 2004-2006 and in the 2005-2006 seasons he was a two time all Western State Conference player. He led the Raiders to two regional finals and the 2006 WSC championship. After leaving Moorpark College, Lawrence went on to pursue a career in law enforcement. After graduating from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Academy, Lawrence landed a position as a campus officer at University of Southern California.
A ceremony was held before Saturday night’s basketball game in Raider Pavilion to honor his memory. Lawrence’s family and former teammates were all in attendance as Moorpark College Head Coach Remy McCarthy retired Lawrence’s jersey.
“In a salute to one of the finest young men that ever donned a Raider uniform, the No. 5, from tonight forward, will never be worn by a Moorpark College men’s basketball player again,” McCarthy said.
Jordan Garrett, the current center for the Moorpark College men’s basketball team. After Saturday night’s game, Garrett said that the whole team supported the coach.
“I know coach was hurting so we came out here tonight and we wanted to play for him because we know he had a really tough week,” said Garrett.
Moorpark College Athletic Director Howard Davis also commented on the loss of one of Moorpark’s greatest athletes.
“The loss of Keith is just a horrible tragedy for our college, our athletic program, and for the Moorpark community,” said Davis. “It was a big honor to have his father and step mother and brothers and many of his teammates here tonight.”
