On the evening of April 1, 2025, La'von Hall, a 45-year-old Black woman, and her 22-year-old daughter, Ma'Laysia Martin, were tragically killed in a drive-by shooting in Compton, California. The incident occurred around 7:05 p.m. at the intersection of Caldwell Street and South Central Avenue. According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, while the two women were stopped at a red light, a vehicle pulled up alongside them, and the driver opened fire into their car.
Hall exited the vehicle but collapsed on the street, while the car, still in motion, crossed the intersection and crashed into a traffic signal pole. Both women were pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders.
Authorities identified the suspect as 41-year-old Donte Lamont Brown, a Black male and the estranged boyfriend of La'von Hall. Brown is believed to have approached the victims' vehicle and fired multiple rounds before fleeing the scene. He is considered armed and dangerous and is known to frequent the Compton and Long Beach areas. As of the latest reports, Brown remains at large, and a $20,000 reward has been offered for information leading to his arrest and conviction.
The community has been deeply affected by this act of violence. Family members and local officials have called for justice and emphasized the need to address domestic violence, which is believed to be a factor in this case. Compton Mayor Emma Sharif referred to domestic violence as a "silent epidemic" and urged anyone with information to come forward.
La'von Hall was known for her work with youth and the elderly, having been employed by the Los Angeles Unified School District. Her daughter, Ma'Laysia Martin, was described as a brilliant young artist. A GoFundMe campaign has been established by family members to assist with funeral expenses and to honor their memory.
Anyone with information about Donte Lamont Brown's whereabouts is urged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling 800-222-8477 or visiting lacrimestoppers.org.
