Ma'Laysia Martin, a 22-year-old African American woman, was tragically shot and killed alongside her mother, La'Von Hall, in Compton, California, on the evening of April 1, 2025. The incident occurred at approximately 7:00 p.m. at the intersection of Caldwell Street and South Central Avenue. Authorities reported that the two women were waiting at a red light when a vehicle pulled up beside them and opened fire multiple times before fleeing the scene.
When deputies arrived, they found La'Von Hall lying in the street, having exited the vehicle before collapsing. Ma'Laysia Martin, a 22-year-old African American woman, was discovered in the passenger seat of the car, unresponsive. The vehicle, still running, had drifted across the intersection and crashed into a curb and a light pole. Paramedics pronounced both women dead at the scene.
Investigators quickly identified a suspect in the case: Donte Lamont Brown, a 41-year-old Compton resident and the estranged boyfriend of La'Von Hall. Authorities believe Brown drove up alongside the victims' vehicle while it was stopped at the red light and fired several rounds into the car. After the shooting, Brown fled the scene, heading southbound on South Central Avenue.
Law enforcement officials have described Brown as armed and dangerous. He is known to frequent the areas of Compton and Long Beach. Detectives have exhausted all leads and are now seeking the public’s assistance in locating him. Community members have expressed deep concern over the violence, with some residents stating that they no longer feel safe in their neighborhood. A memorial has been set up at the intersection where the shooting took place, with flowers and tributes left in honor of Ma'Laysia Martin, a 22-year-old African American woman, and her mother.
Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attack, though early indications suggest it may have been a case of domestic violence. Officials urge anyone with information regarding Brown’s whereabouts to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
