Krystal M. Tinker Bams, 19, was fatally shot on January 12, 2022, near 254 W. 42nd Place in the Historic South-Central neighborhood of Los Angeles. The shooting happened in the evening; she died shortly after being shot. Witnesses reported multiple gunshots and a vehicle speeding away from the scene.

The Los Angeles Police Department investigated and described Krystal as an unintended victim of a drive-by shooting tied to gang-related activity. Investigators identified and arrested Raymond Joseph Smith Jr., 28, and Reginald Martin Thompson, 33, charging them with first-degree murder and illegal possession of firearms; both pleaded not guilty. Krystal’s family and community have called for justice and measures to address gang violence.

If anyone has information about the shooting or knew Krystal, please come forward to help with the investigation.