On July 2, 2024, at approximately 7:30 p.m., 22-year-old college student and aspiring criminal justice professional, Raejonette Morgan, was fatally shot while driving her white Mercedes-Benz near the Vermont Avenue exit of the 105 Freeway in South Los Angeles. Her vehicle, riddled with bullet holes, came to a stop on the sidewalk near a freeway entrance. A Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputy from the Parks Bureau was the first to arrive at the scene.
According to the Sheriff's Department, the deputy initially could not determine whether the vehicle belonged to the suspect or the victim and requested assistance from the South Los Angeles Sheriff's Station and the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
Eyewitness accounts and video footage from the scene have sparked controversy over the deputy's response. A bystander, Dionne M. Leslie, who livestreamed the aftermath on Facebook, claimed that the deputy remained in his patrol car and did not render immediate aid to Morgan, who was still alive at the time. Leslie reported that she pleaded with the deputy to assist Morgan and eventually broke the car's window with her shoe in an attempt to help. Additional deputies arrived minutes later, removed Morgan from the vehicle, and provided first aid. She was transported to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, where she succumbed to her injuries on July 4.
In the wake of Morgan's death, her family, supported by civil rights attorney Ben Crump and activist Najee Ali, has called for a comprehensive investigation into both the shooting and the deputy's actions. They allege that the deputy's delayed response may have contributed to Morgan's death and are seeking accountability. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has initiated a Critical Incident Review to assess the deputy's response, equipment, training, and tactics to determine if department policies and procedures were followed. Sheriff Robert Luna met with Morgan's family and community leaders, expressing condolences and assuring them of the department's commitment to a thorough investigation.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting, and no suspect descriptions have been released. Investigators are exploring the possibility that the incident was gang-related and that Morgan may have been a victim of mistaken identity. The Sheriff's Department has urged anyone with information about the case to contact the Homicide Bureau or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.
Morgan's death has prompted community outcry and discussions about law enforcement's duty to provide immediate assistance to victims. Her family remembers her as a dedicated student with aspirations in criminal justice, who was known for her caring nature and desire to make a positive impact on the world.
