A mother and daughter were shot and killed on the evening of April 1 while sitting in their vehicle at a traffic light near an elementary school in Compton, California, authorities reported.
The victims, 45-year-old La’von Hall and her 22-year-old daughter Ma’Laysia Martin, were struck by multiple bullets while stopped at a red light near Caldwell Street Elementary School.
Deputies from the Compton Sheriff’s Station responded to reports of gunfire shortly after 7 p.m. at the intersection of Caldwell Street and Central Avenue. Upon arrival, they found the two women with multiple gunshot wounds. One was discovered lying in the street, while the other was still inside their Toyota sedan, which had collided with a traffic pole on the sidewalk.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department stated in a press release that “Investigators learned the victims were in their vehicle on Caldwell Street, stopped at the signal light, when a vehicle pulled alongside. Investigators believe an occupant in the other vehicle [opened] fire on the victims.”
The suspect’s vehicle fled the scene heading south on Central Avenue. Authorities have identified Donte Lamont Brown, aged 41, as the suspect. Brown, the estranged boyfriend of La’von Hall, is considered armed and dangerous. Law enforcement is seeking public assistance in locating Brown, who is known to frequent Compton and Long Beach, California.
Local news footage showed people gathering at the site where the victims’ car had a white sheet covering the windshield. The incident has had a significant impact on the community, with residents expressing their shock.
Neighbor Debbie Shaw spoke with NBC Los Angeles after speaking with Ma’Laysia Martin’s boyfriend. “She did just pick up her mother from work,” Shaw told the news station. “To come out here to see a mother and a daughter, that’s really heartbreaking.”
Another resident, Diedra Culpepper, commented on the community’s reaction. “It’s devastation. Compton is heartbroken right now,” she said.
The shooting occurred in a residential area near an elementary school, raising concerns about neighborhood safety. Although it happened after school hours, the location has increased anxiety among residents.
Community members have been building a memorial at the scene, placing flowers and candles to honor the deceased.
Local officials have extended condolences to the victims’ families and assured the public that they are actively working to identify and capture those responsible.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau is conducting the investigation and has urged anyone with information to come forward.
Law enforcement is canvassing the neighborhood for witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage to identify the suspect vehicle or its occupants.
As the investigation continues, the Compton community mourns the loss of two residents, leaving family, friends, and neighbors seeking answers.
This fatal shooting is another violent incident in Compton, where city officials and community leaders have been working to reduce crime and enhance public safety in recent years.
