Tara Correa-McMullen, born Shalvah McMullen on May 24, 1989, was a promising young actress known for her role as Graciela Reyes on the CBS drama series "Judging Amy." Tragically, her life was cut short on October 21, 2005, when she was murdered in front of her apartment complex in Inglewood, California. At just 16 years old, Tara was shot by gang member Damien Watts while she was outside her apartment.
The incident also resulted in injuries to two other individuals who survived the attack.
Tara had recently moved into her own apartment and was dating a gang member named Christopher Avery, who was ten years older than her. On the night of her death, Tara was standing outside her apartment with two men, Jonithan Turnage and Jacare Smith, when a silver pickup truck stopped in front of them. Damien Watts, armed with an AK-47, and his accomplice, Joseph Wayne Jones, who had a handgun, began firing at the trio. Tara attempted to run for safety but was fatally shot. Turnage and Smith were also hit but survived their injuries.
The investigation into Tara's murder led to the arrest of Damien Watts and Joseph Wayne Jones the following day during a traffic stop. Witnesses identified Watts as the shooter, and evidence, including a blue shirt left at the crime scene, linked him to the murder. Watts was also connected to the murder of Thomas Sanders, a gang member killed the day before Tara's death, using the same AK-47.
On March 1, 2006, Damien Watts was charged with one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder. His trial concluded on January 23, 2009, with Watts being convicted of Tara's murder, the murder of Thomas Sanders, and six counts of attempted murder over a two-day shooting spree. The court found that none of the victims were involved in gang activity, but Watts' intent was to target rival gang territory. Watts received five consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole on February 27, 2009. His accomplice, Joseph Wayne Jones, was also sentenced to life without parole.
Tara Correa-McMullen's untimely death highlighted the pervasive issue of gang violence in Los Angeles and the tragic consequences it can have on innocent lives. Her promising career and life were abruptly ended, leaving a lasting impact on her family, friends, and the entertainment industry.
