Ky Thomas, a 28-year-old mother of two, was tragically shot and killed on December 1, 2020, in Venice, Los Angeles. The incident occurred around 5:25 p.m. near the Venice Beach boardwalk, specifically in the area of Ocean Front Walk and 17th Avenue. Thomas was with her boyfriend, her sister, and her sister's boyfriend when they were confronted by several individuals outside a bike rental store. During this confrontation, shots were fired, and Thomas was struck.
She was transported to a nearby hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries.
The Los Angeles Police Department initially indicated that the shooting was gang-related, although Thomas' mother, Cortlyn Bridges, has vehemently denied any gang affiliations, emphasizing that her daughter was not involved in such activities. Bridges has been actively seeking justice for her daughter, urging local leaders to offer rewards and encouraging the community to come forward with any information that could lead to the arrest of additional suspects involved in the killing.
In February 2022, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced that two men, Isiah Eugene Caldwell Jr. and Jonathan Michael Singh, had been charged with Thomas' murder. Both men faced multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit murder. Additionally, Singh was charged with possession of an assault weapon, while Caldwell faced a misdemeanor count of carrying a loaded firearm. Both suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges and were scheduled to appear in court.
Despite these arrests, the investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to search for additional suspects. The case has been a source of immense pain for Thomas' family, particularly her mother, who has been vocal about the need for justice and the lack of priority given to her daughter's case compared to other high-profile killings in Los Angeles. Bridges has also expressed her desire to create a memorial site in Venice and establish a college fund for Thomas' children, highlighting the enduring impact of this tragedy on their lives.
