Tioni Theus, a 16-year-old student at Centennial High School from Compton, was found dead on January 8, 2022, on the side of the 110 Freeway near the Manchester Avenue on-ramp in South Los Angeles. She had been shot in the neck and her body was dumped on the freeway. Tioni was last seen the day before saying she was going to meet a friend to attend a party. She was known for academic achievement and for dance and golf.

Investigators and the Los Angeles County District Attorney indicated evidence suggesting Tioni may have been forced into prostitution and theft after meeting a man on Instagram, raising concerns that human trafficking played a role in her death. No suspects have been identified or arrested, and the family has held press conferences and public appeals as a reward fund for information reached $120,000. Community leaders have called for more state and federal resources to address unsolved homicides in South Los Angeles.

If anyone knew Tioni, saw her on January 7 or 8, 2022, or has information about the man she met on Instagram, please come forward.