MaLaysia Martin, a 22-year-old African American woman, and her mother, La’Von Hall, were shot and killed in Compton, California, on the evening of April 1, 2025. The attack occurred about 7:00 p.m. at the intersection of Caldwell Street and South Central Avenue while the victims’ vehicle was stopped at a red light. A vehicle pulled up beside them and opened fire multiple times before fleeing. Deputies found Hall lying in the street after she had exited the car; MaLaysia Martin was discovered unresponsive in the passenger seat. The car had drifted across the intersection and struck a curb and a light pole; both women were pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators have identified a suspect, 41-year-old Compton resident Donte Lamont Brown, described as the estranged boyfriend of La’Von Hall. Authorities say Brown drove up alongside the victims’ vehicle, fired several rounds, then fled southbound on South Central Avenue. He is being described as armed and dangerous and is known to frequent Compton and Long Beach. Detectives have exhausted leads and are asking the public for help; early indicators suggest a possible domestic violence motive. A memorial with flowers and tributes has been placed at the intersection.

Does anyone have information about Donte Lamont Brown’s whereabouts or the events that night?