A young Latin singer promising life was cut short in a violent, late-night ambush in Northridge, and prosecutors say three local men are now charged in the attack.
The victim, 22-year-old Maria De La Rosa who performed as DELAROSA was riding in a parked car just before 1:25 a.m. on Saturday near Bryant Street and Tampa Avenue when three suspects walked up, demanded money and suddenly opened fire. All three people inside the vehicle were hit; Maria, who was in the passenger seat, was rushed to hospital but later died. The two others survived with critical injuries.
Los Angeles County prosecutors announced murder charges Tuesday against 27-year-olds Francisco Otilio Gaytan and Benny LiconGomez, and 21-year-old Eduardo Lopez, all from Northridge. They’re also charged with two counts of attempted second-degree robbery connected to the same incident. Gaytan was arrested Saturday and held on $2.18 million bail; LiconGomez was taken into custody on Sunday with bail set at $2.28 million. Lopez remains a fugitive. Court hearings for Gaytan and LiconGomez are scheduled for Jan. 7, when they are expected to be formally arraigned.
“This was a ruthless and targeted attack that stole the life of a young woman and artist,” said Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, who promised his office will pursue the case aggressively so those responsible are held to account.
Maria’s family is grieving and searching for answers. Her mother, Deyanira De La Rosa, told reporters the family’s world has been shattered not only by the loss of a beloved daughter but by the end of what many saw as a rising musical career.
Police are still looking for Eduardo Lopez and are asking anyone with information about the shooting or his whereabouts to contact law enforcement. The case has left a neighborhood shaken and a community mourning a young artist taken far too soon.
