The sudden and tragic death of Jolene Thurton, the beloved owner of Pepper’s Jamaican & Belizean Cuisine in Los Angeles, has sent shockwaves through both the local community and across international borders, reaching as far as Belize, where Thurton’s roots run deep.
The 39-year-old entrepreneur, celebrated for her fiery jerk chicken, soulful oxtail, and nurturing spirit, was stabbed to death on July 17 during what police are describing as a personal confrontation. Despite widespread grief and outrage, no arrests have been made, and the Los Angeles Police Department says no charges will be filed.
“They say Jolene went looking for a fight,” one relative shared. “But she was harassed and threatened. She wanted peace—she just didn’t want to live in fear.”
A Rising Star Dimmed
Thurton built Pepper’s from the ground up, turning a modest storefront on West 87th Street into a culinary institution and gathering space for LA’s Caribbean and Belizean communities. Her food wasn’t just nourishment—it was home.
“She cooked with purpose,” said longtime customer and friend Marsha Henry. “She made you feel like you were family.”
Known for mentoring young chefs and donating meals to families in need, Jolene was more than a chef—she was a pillar of compassion and resilience. Her death leaves behind a grieving son, 11-year-old Endon, and a city asking painful questions.
Disputed Accounts, Unanswered Questions
The LAPD initially responded to reports of gunfire in the area but later clarified that Thurton had been stabbed multiple times during a fight with a woman who had previously harassed her. According to family members, Jolene confronted the woman after receiving ongoing threats, only to be fatally attacked.
While police confirmed no DNA tests, arrests, or weapons have been made public, they cited California’s self-defense laws, saying that because Jolene initiated the confrontation, no charges would be pursued.
The decision has infuriated many online, where tributes have poured in but so have calls for justice.
“She didn’t die in a fair fight—she was ambushed,” said her cousin, Isabell Requena, who also accused police of mishandling the scene by moving Jolene’s body before anyone could apply pressure to her wounds. The official cause of death remains pending, and no suspects have been publicly named.
A Legacy of Love
Despite the controversy, what remains clear is that Thurton’s impact was immeasurable. Flowers and handwritten notes now line the walls of Pepper’s, and although the restaurant remains closed, it stands as a powerful monument to the life she lived.
The family has announced they will not be accepting donations for Jolene’s funeral, but a GoFundMe has been created to support her son. Cards and donations can also be dropped off at the Pepper’s Jamaican & Belizean Cuisine mailbox on Slauson Avenue in South Los Angeles.
“This was bigger than Jolene,” wrote one mourner on social media. “She deserved to feel safe in her own city. She deserved justice.”
The Fight for Justice Isn’t Over
Jolene’s supporters continue to demand answers and accountability, questioning whether her status as a Black immigrant woman played a role in the police department’s inaction.
Community members are urging any witnesses to come forward with information, hoping to reopen the investigation or push for an independent review of the case.
In a heartfelt post, one supporter wrote:
“When you’re a rising star, people will try to pull you down. Jolene didn’t fall—she was taken. And we won’t rest until someone answers for it.”
