Tauvaaga "Judy" Lauvai, a 53-year-old woman, tragically lost her life on June 16, 2018, in Carson, California. Judy was attending a family gathering at her mother-in-law's home on Island Avenue when an unknown assailant opened fire from a vehicle. The incident occurred around 9 p.m. while the family was celebrating an early Father's Day. Judy was struck in the chest by the gunfire and, despite her husband's desperate attempts to revive her with CPR, she was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
A 27-year-old male relative was also injured in the leg but survived the attack.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) launched an investigation into the shooting, but the motive remained unclear. Authorities did not believe Judy was the intended target, suggesting the shooting was a random act of violence. Surveillance footage revealed the suspect's vehicle to be a silver Nissan Altima, model years 2005-2012. Despite the release of this information and a $35,000 reward offered for tips leading to an arrest, no suspects have been apprehended.
Judy's death left a profound impact on her family and the Carson community. She was a beloved mother, wife, and grandmother who had recently moved to Arizona for work but returned to Carson to celebrate the holiday with her family. Her husband and children spoke of her devotion to her family, her church, and her Samoan heritage. The family continues to seek justice and closure for Judy's senseless murder, urging anyone with information to come forward.
The investigation remains open, with the LASD Homicide Bureau actively seeking leads. The community and law enforcement hope that someone will provide the crucial information needed to solve this case and bring the perpetrator to justice.
