Introduction to the Tragedy
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors established a $20,000 reward Tuesday for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for the killings of a 45-year-old woman and her 22-year-old daughter in a drive-by shooting in Compton.
La’von Hall and her daughter Ma’Laysia Martin were shot around 7 p.m. April 1 at Caldwell Street and Central Avenue, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
The Incident Details
Responding deputies found the mother in the street west of the intersection and her daughter in the passenger seat of a vehicle east of the intersection, both suffering from gunshot wounds, sheriff’s officials said. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators said the women were in their vehicle on Caldwell and stopped at the signal when a vehicle pulled alongside them and the suspect opened fire. The suspect then drove away southbound on Central Avenue, authorities said.
Suspect Identification
Days after the killings, sheriff’s officials identified Hall’s ex-boyfriend — 41-year-old Donte Brown — as a suspect in the killings, but he remains at large. According to the sheriffs’ department, Brown is known to frequent the Compton and Long Beach areas and should be considered armed and dangerous.
Sheriff’s deputies are circulating this flyer in their efforts to apprehend Donte Brown in connection with the murders of his ex-girlfriend and her daughter in Compton. (Image courtesy of the LA County Sheriff’s Department)
Brown was described as 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing 245 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.
Call for Witnesses and Information
Detectives “believe there are witnesses to the murder who were in close proximity to where the incident occurred and may have seen the suspect(s) leave the area or possibly know their identities and whereabouts,” according to the reward-offer motion introduced by Supervisor Holly Mitchell.
Anyone with information about the suspect or the killing was asked to call the sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.
Conclusion
The tragic killing of La’von Hall and her daughter Ma’Laysia Martin has sent shockwaves through the community, and the establishment of a $20,000 reward is a significant step towards bringing the perpetrator to justice. The cooperation of the public is crucial in solving this case, and anyone with information is urged to come forward.
FAQs
- Q: What is the amount of the reward offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect?
A: $20,000 - Q: Who are the victims of the drive-by shooting in Compton?
A: La’von Hall, 45, and her daughter Ma’Laysia Martin, 22. - Q: Who is the suspect identified in the killings?
A: Donte Brown, the 41-year-old ex-boyfriend of La’von Hall. - Q: How can one provide information about the suspect or the killing?
A: By calling the sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500, or anonymously at 800-222-8477, or visiting lacrimestoppers.org. - Q: When did the incident occur?
A: April 1, around 7 p.m.
Originally Published: May 6, 2025 at 11:01 AM PDT
