Monica Nicole Ruiz, a 31-year-old Latina, was killed in a drive-by shooting on August 31, 2017, in Wilmington, Los Angeles. The shooting occurred about 9:50 p.m. in the 300 block of West D Street while Ruiz was visiting her mother at a two-story apartment complex. A gray or silver sedan, described as a light-colored early 2000s Toyota Camry, drove by and opened fire on a group standing outside.

Ruiz was struck while assisting her cousin Ashley, who was also shot in the shoulder and survived. Both women were taken to a hospital; Ruiz was pronounced dead at 9:35 p.m. The area is known for gang activity, though neither Ruiz nor her cousin were documented gang members. The motive and intended target remain unclear, and the suspects’ identities have not been established. The LAPD is investigating and has asked anyone with information to come forward through Crime Stoppers.

Did anyone in the Wilmington area witness the shooting or recognize the described vehicle?