An investigation is underway after a woman was found shot to death inside a bullet-riddled car in South Los Angeles earlier this week.
According to a statement from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the shooting happened around 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 2nd, near the Vermont Avenue exit of the 105 Freeway.
“It was initially unclear whether the vehicle belonged to the suspect or the victim,” the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department’s release said. “From his patrol vehicle, the deputy requested assistance from the South Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department and the Los Angeles County Fire Department.”
When police arrived on scene, they found a woman, identified as 22-year-old Leijonette Morgan, inside a vehicle suffering from a gunshot wound. She was rushed to a nearby hospital but died a few days later on July 4th.
Anginette Morgan (left) with her 22-year-old daughter, Leijonette Morgan. Anginette Morgan
Now the family is demanding a further investigation into the actions of the Park Service officer who was the first deputy called to the scene.
They allege that the deputy “remained seated in his patrol car and did not provide any assistance to the shooting victim,” according to a statement from civil rights activist Najee Ali. They are represented by civil rights attorney Ben Crump.
“This tragic shooting has attracted national attention due to the now-viral Facebook Live video,” Ali’s statement said. “The deputy’s inaction, captured on video, is reminiscent of the Uvalde, Texas school shooting, where deputies stood by and watched as children were shot and killed, refusing to render any assistance to the dying schoolchildren who pleaded for help.”
Crump requested a meeting with Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna to learn about police practice when shooting victims are still alive, the statement said.
“We want to publicly release the name of this deputy sheriff and find out if he has a history of complaints about not helping African-American victims of crime,” Ali said.
In a statement released early Friday morning, the LAPD said it is “conducting a major incident review of the entire incident, including the deputy’s response, equipment, training and tactics, to determine whether department policies and procedures were followed.”
“We are deeply concerned about this incident and detectives are working hard to solve this heinous murder and bring justice to the family. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Rayjonet Morgan at this tragic time,” the statement said. “In any emergency, police remain steadfast in their commitment to saving lives and protecting the residents of our community.”
Anyone with further information about this ongoing investigation is asked to contact the LAPD Homicide Division at (323) 890-5500.
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