On November 17, 2024, at approximately 12:46 a.m., 21-year-old Lanai Ariyana Dees was found fatally shot in her vehicle in South Los Angeles. Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department responded to reports of a shooting in the 2000 block of Century Boulevard near Wilton Place. Upon arrival, they discovered Dees inside her white Mercedes-Benz, which had collided with a concrete foundation in an alleyway. She had sustained a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner identified the victim as Lanai Dees of Inglewood. The coroner's office determined the manner of death as homicide, caused by a gunshot wound to the head.
Dees' family is devastated by the loss. Her brother, Jordan, described her as "an amazing person" who was "very sweet and very kind." He mentioned that she might have been in South Los Angeles visiting a friend but is uncertain about the circumstances leading to her death. Jordan believes the shooter may have been a passenger in the car who fled the scene. He pleaded for anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that his sister "didn't deserve what happened to her at all."
As of now, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been identified. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has not provided a motive for the shooting and continues to investigate the incident. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Sheriff's Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500 or provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Dees family has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses and other immediate needs. Jordan expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this difficult time, stating that any contribution would be deeply meaningful and greatly appreciated.
