Violent Start to Memorial Day Weekend: Triple Shooting in South Los Angeles Leaves Two Dead, One Injured
LOS ANGELES, CA — Memorial Day weekend, typically a time of remembrance and community gatherings, got off to a tragic and violent start in South Los Angeles on Saturday evening. The Los Angeles Police Department is actively investigating a triple shooting that left two individuals dead and one critically injured in what is being described as a chaotic and expansive crime scene.
The incident unfolded around 6:40 p.m. near the intersection of Dalton Avenue and Florence Avenue, a busy area in the Manchester Square neighborhood. LAPD officers responded quickly to reports of multiple gunshot victims. Upon arrival, they discovered three individuals had been shot.
Tragically, two of the victims were pronounced dead at the scene. A third victim, whose identity has not been released, was transported to a nearby hospital and is currently listed in serious condition.
A Complex and Active Crime Scene
As the sun set over South Los Angeles, the area became the focus of an intense police operation. The shooting scene quickly expanded beyond the original crime location as investigators followed leads regarding the suspect or suspects involved.
Police say the individuals responsible abandoned their getaway vehicle not far from the site of the shooting and attempted to flee on foot. This prompted a large-scale search operation, including the deployment of LAPD’s air support unit, which was seen circling overhead for hours, providing aerial coverage and assistance in tracking the suspects.
The search was concentrated just a few blocks south of Florence Avenue, as officers combed the area street by street, alley by alley, attempting to apprehend those responsible.
Suspects in Custody — and Possibly More at Large
Around 8:10 p.m., roughly an hour and a half after the shooting, an Eyewitness News crew observed a man in handcuffs being placed in the back of a police cruiser. By 9:15 p.m., reports emerged of a second suspect being detained by police.
However, the situation remained fluid well into the evening. As of 10:00 p.m., authorities had not confirmed the total number of suspects involved, and there were indications that at least one additional individual remained at large. Conflicting reports from the scene have added to the uncertainty, with some witnesses suggesting that another suspect may have evaded police and potentially left the area.
LAPD has not yet confirmed any arrests, and no official suspect descriptions have been released to the public. Officers remained in the area late into the night, continuing to canvas the neighborhood, speak with witnesses, and collect evidence.
Community on Edge
The shooting has cast a dark shadow over the start of what is usually a celebratory and solemn holiday weekend. Residents of the Manchester Square area expressed shock and concern at the sudden outbreak of violence, with many voicing fears about safety in their neighborhood.
“This is not how Memorial Day weekend should begin,” said one resident, who asked to remain anonymous. “People are trying to spend time with family, remember loved ones who served this country, and instead we’re dealing with gunfire and police helicopters overhead.”
Investigation Ongoing
The identities of the victims have not yet been released pending notification of next of kin. It remains unclear what led to the shooting or whether the victims and suspects were known to each other. Detectives are working to determine a motive, and surveillance footage from local businesses and homes is being reviewed as part of the investigation.
LAPD is urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any relevant information to come forward. Tips can be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
A Community Left to Reflect
As South Los Angeles grapples with the aftermath of this senseless act of violence, the community is left to reflect on the lives lost and the ongoing issues of gun violence that plague many neighborhoods. What should have been a peaceful start to the holiday weekend has instead become a reminder of the challenges that remain.
More updates are expected as the investigation unfolds.
