On February 9, 2025, 16-year-old Black male Sah'Dell Roberts from Sacramento, California, was fatally shot at a house party in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles. The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. in the 5900 block of Winnetka Avenue, where a large gathering of approximately 200 to 300 people was taking place. Roberts, a student at Highland High School in the Twin Rivers Unified School District, was found lying in the driveway with a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The shooting unfolded after an altercation inside the residence. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the suspect had been involved in an argument with several individuals and was being escorted out by security personnel. As they reached the first floor, the suspect opened fire on the dance floor, firing multiple shots into the crowd before fleeing the scene. Six other individuals, ranging in age from 19 to 37, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
The party was organized by a company known as Rage Parties and was advertised on social media as an 18-and-over VIP event. The venue, a rented mansion, had previously hosted similar events without incident. Rage Parties expressed devastation over the shooting, noting that among the injured were a founder of the company and a security guard. The company stated they are cooperating with authorities and committed to supporting those affected.
Roberts' family, unaware of how he and another family member gained entry to the adult-only event, described him as a rising rapper and lyricist who had traveled to Los Angeles to pursue his music career. His stepmother, Patricia Biggs, emphasized that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time and called for justice, urging anyone with information to come forward. The family also questioned how a firearm was brought into a party that reportedly had security measures in place.
As of now, the suspect remains at large, and authorities have not released a detailed description. The Los Angeles Police Department continues to investigate the incident and urges anyone with information to contact their Topanga station or Crime Stoppers. The Twin Rivers Unified School District has provided crisis intervention support to students and staff, expressing profound sadness over the loss of one of their students in such a senseless act of violence.
