Woman killed in Los Angeles drive-by shooting, $25,000 reward offered for suspect info – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: upload.wikimedia.org)
Los Angeles — A white Mercedes sedan rolled southbound on Vermont Avenue under the evening sky, moments from merging onto the 105 Freeway, when gunfire shattered the routine commute. Raejonette Laveda Morgan, a 22-year-old student, suffered fatal wounds in the July 2024 attack and died two days later.[1][2] Nearly two years on, Los Angeles County supervisors have boosted the reward to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible, signaling persistent efforts to deliver justice.[3]
The Evening Ambush Unfolds
On July 2, 2024, at approximately 7:45 p.m., Morgan drove alone in her white Mercedes-Benz sedan through the West Athens area of South Los Angeles. As she neared the Glen Anderson Freeway on-ramp, another vehicle pulled alongside on the driver’s side and unleashed a barrage of bullets. The Mercedes, its left flank pocked with gunshot wounds, veered and crashed into the corner of the on-ramp.[2][1]
Bystanders rushed to the scene, offering aid amid the chaos, while the suspect vehicle sped south on Vermont Avenue. Morgan received emergency transport to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center but succumbed to her injuries on July 4. Investigators later classified the incident as a targeted drive-by, possibly linked to gang activity, though Morgan appeared an innocent bystander, perhaps mistaken for another.[1]
Key Vehicle in the Crosshairs
Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau zeroed in on a distinctive suspect vehicle: a blue, two-door 2016-2018 Honda Civic sedan. The car featured a rear spoiler, louvers over the back window, all-black wheels, and a notably loud exhaust system. Images of this vehicle have circulated in public appeals, but no arrests followed.[2][4]
LASD officials described the shooting as deliberate and senseless. The driver’s side of Morgan’s Mercedes bore the brunt of the attack, underscoring the proximity and intent. Despite witness accounts and footage capturing the bullet-riddled aftermath, the gunman remains at large.[5]
Rewards Escalate Amid Stalled Probe
The push for leads has intensified through a series of reward hikes approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. Initial offers stood at $10,000 in early 2025, climbing to $15,000 by April, $20,000 later that December, and now $25,000 as of May 5, 2026. This latest extension runs through October 13, 2026, with claims due by December 12.[3][1]
Sheriff Robert Luna emphasized community involvement during a December 2025 press conference. “Raejonette Morgan’s life was taken in a deliberate and senseless act of violence, and her family deserves answers,” he stated. “We believe someone in the community has information that can help us identify those responsible. This increased reward reflects our continued commitment to seeking justice and holding the suspects accountable.”[5] An LASD statement echoed this resolve: “We are deeply concerned about this incident and detectives are diligently working to solve this heinous murder and bring justice to the family.”[1] Detective Cynthia Sanchez leads the inquiry under case number 024-05682-0378-011.
Family members organized a candlelight vigil soon after the shooting, voicing demands for accountability. Though no recent family statements surfaced, their early pleas highlighted the profound loss. The case, now approaching its second anniversary, tests the limits of public cooperation in a neighborhood scarred by violence.
A Young Life Interrupted
Morgan pursued criminal justice studies at Los Angeles City College, a path that now carries poignant irony. Described as a 22-year-old Black woman with a bright future, she represented everyday aspirations in a community too often touched by stray bullets. Bystanders’ quick response at the scene offered a glimmer of solidarity amid tragedy.[5]
The shooting’s suspected gang ties raise broader concerns about spillover violence ensnaring uninvolved residents. Morgan’s death prompted renewed scrutiny of freeway-adjacent corridors prone to such ambushes. Her story underscores the human toll behind statistics in South Los Angeles.
Pathways for Tips and Justice
Authorities urge anyone with details to come forward. Contact LASD Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500 or Detective Sanchez directly. Anonymous submissions go to LA Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), online at lacrimestoppers.org, or by texting via P3Tips.[2][3]
- Reference case: 024-05682-0378-011
- Reward eligibility requires info before October 13, 2026
- Payment follows conviction, up to $25,000 total
As the reward fund grows, so does hope that a single tip might unravel the mystery. Morgan’s family awaits closure in a case that lingers as a stark reminder of unresolved streetside perils. Justice, though delayed, remains within reach if the community steps up.
