A mother and daughter were shot and killed on Tuesday evening, April 1, 2025, while waiting in their car at a traffic light near an elementary school in Compton, California, authorities report.
The victims, 45-year-old La’von Hall and her 22-year-old daughter Ma’Laysia Martin, were shot multiple times as they waited at a red light near Caldwell Street Elementary School.
Deputies from the Compton Sheriff’s Station responded to a shooting report shortly after 7 p.m. at Caldwell Street and Central Avenue. Upon arrival, law enforcement found the two women with several gunshot wounds. One woman was found in the street, while the other remained inside their Toyota sedan, which had crashed onto the sidewalk near a traffic pole.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department stated, “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 left the scene, heading south on Central Avenue. Authorities have identified Donte Lamont Brown, 41, as the suspect. Brown is the estranged boyfriend of La’von Hall. Law enforcement seeks public assistance in locating Brown, who remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous. Brown is known to frequent the Compton and Long Beach areas.
Local news footage showed crowds at the scene, where the victims’ car had a white sheet covering the windshield. The incident has significantly impacted the local community, with residents expressing shock.
Neighbor Debbie Shaw spoke with NBC Los Angeles after speaking to Ma’Laysia Martin’s boyfriend. “She did just pick up her mother from work,” Shaw stated. “To come out here to see a mother and a daughter, that’s really heartbreaking.”
Another resident, Diedra Culpepper, expressed the community’s sorrow. “It’s devastation. Compton is heartbroken right now,” she said.
The incident occurred in a residential area near an elementary school, raising safety concerns in the neighborhood. Although it happened in the evening after school hours, the proximity to the school has increased community anxiety.
Community members have started a memorial at the site of the shooting, placing flowers and candles to honor the victims.
Local officials have offered condolences to the victims’ families and assured residents they are working to identify and apprehend those responsible.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau is actively investigating the case and encourages anyone with information to come forward.
Law enforcement officials are canvassing the neighborhood for potential witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage that could help 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.
The shooting is another incident of violence in Compton, as city officials and community leaders strive to reduce crime rates and enhance public safety.
