The Mexican Mafia is targeting black men for death-Unproven!

The Mexican Mafia is Killing Black Men Wearing White T-Shirts-Unproven!

Summary of the eRumor
A warning that the "Mexican Mafia" is upset over the theft of 160 kilos of cocaine stolen from them by a black gang.
In retaliation, the Mexican Mafia is on a campaign to kill between 400 and 1000 black men who are caught wearing white t-shirts in public.

The Truth
This eRumor showed up in May of 2005.
As with many eRumors, this one claims to have been sent by "someone in law enforcement" and "confirmed by a probation officer" but without identifying the sources, the cities, or the law enforcement agencies.

This eRumor got started during a time when there were several freeway shootings in Southern California.
One version of this eRumor begins with "Regarding the rash of freeway shootings in Southern California."
Between in March and April of 2005 there were 12 unsolved freeway shootings such that left at least four people dead.
Law enforcement agencies that TruthOrFiction has checked with in Southern California say they don't know of a cocaine theft between gangs that has prompted retaliation against African American gangs.
It is worth noting, however, that two of the survivors of the shootings each described being attacked by groups of young men with shaved heads, possibly gang members.
One of the survivors was a 33-year old man who was attacked and shot on a freeway in Orange County
The other was a man in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles.
Gang experts are looking into the shootings to see if they are related or whether they might be part of a violent gang initiation ritual.

A real example of the eRumor as it has appeared on the Internet:

Subject: FW: Recent Freeway Shootings

Hello everyone,

FYI: This was sent to me by someone in law enforcement:

Unfortunately, the word on the street (which has been confirmed by a

probation officer) is that the 60's stole 160 kilo's of cocaine from the

Mexican Mafia. In retaliation, the Mexican Mafia and other Mexican

gangs have decided to target and kill 400-1000 black men of all ages who

are wearing white t-shirts. This is not limited to the freeways..... I

understand that this is very real and very serious. Please pass this on

to EVERYONE that you know. I suggest you do not wear any white shirts

at all if possible. Also, if you have on a dress shirt, consider

wearing your jacket over it....

PLEASE BE CAREFUL. WARN YOUR HUSBANDS & SONS....