On the evening of July 16, 2023, at about 10:44 p.m., 19-year-old Melanie Lizbeth Mancera was standing outside near South Gless and East First streets in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, with a 21-year-old female companion when two male suspects approached and opened fire with handguns. Melanie was pronounced dead at the scene by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner. Her companion suffered a gunshot wound to the leg and was taken to a local hospital in stable condition.

The LAPD indicated the shooting was believed to be gang-related, though it was not confirmed whether the victims had any gang affiliations. The two suspects remained unidentified and at large. A graveside service for Melanie was held August 31, 2023, at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier. The investigation is ongoing.

If anyone has information about what happened that night or the identity of the shooters, please contact the LAPD tip line at 877-LAPD-247.