Fourth of July weekend in Compton ended in chaos and heartbreak, with two late-night shootings at neighborhood gatherings leaving at least three people dead and drawing a heavy response from sheriff's deputies and homicide detectives. The attacks happened just blocks apart and less than an hour apart, sending crowds running as squad cars and ambulances flooded the streets.
The first gunfire erupted around 11:20 p.m. Saturday at an apartment complex on West Laurel Street, where a woman was pronounced dead at the scene and a man later died at a hospital, as reported by ABC7. Deputies arriving there were met by a crowd of up to 300 people, the station noted. A second shooting unfolded around 12:10 a.m. Sunday near Grandee Avenue and 132nd Street, just a few blocks away, where one person was declared dead on the spot and video captured paramedics rushing another wounded victim into an ambulance.
Investigators Urging Witnesses To Come Forward
Detectives with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Homicide Bureau have taken over both cases and are pressing anyone who saw what happened, or who has cell phone or security video, to speak up. Tips can be directed to the Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500 or LA Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS, per the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department phone directory. Anonymous tips can also be sent in through the P3 Tips mobile app or the Crime Stoppers website. Investigators say they are combing through evidence, canvassing nearby homes and businesses, and reviewing surveillance footage.
No Arrests Announced, Investigations Ongoing
By Sunday morning, officials had not reported any arrests tied to either shooting and said both investigations remain very much active, according to ABC7. Authorities have not released any motive or suspect descriptions while detectives continue interviews and gather additional evidence.
Sheriff's Office Renews Warning On Holiday Crowds
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has previously cautioned residents about the risks that can come with large holiday gatherings and illegal fireworks, urging people to leave the pyrotechnics to professionals, according to the agency's public safety notices. Anyone who captured video of the Compton shootings or has information, even if it seems minor, is urged to contact detectives at the Homicide Bureau to help them piece together exactly how these holiday celebrations turned deadly.
