Anthony Smithers, 15, was found fatally wounded just after midnight on October 5, 2025, along the 800 block of West 97th Street in South Los Angeles, in the area variously described as Vermont Vista and adjacent to Westmont. Officers were dispatched at 12:43 a.m.; paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner identified him and ruled the manner of death homicide caused by multiple gunshot wounds.

Neighbors described a block long known for persistent violence; detectives cordoned off the street and searched beneath streetlights while the community left candles, brief messages and prayers online. Authorities released few details about a motive, no suspect description was available in the days after the killing, and no arrests had been announced. If anyone has information about what happened that night, contact investigators.