Introduction to the Case
Three men were charged with murder in a Northridge shooting over the weekend that killed a 22-year-old rising talent in the Latin music scene.
Maria de la Rosa, 22, who performed as DELAROSA, was one of three people in a vehicle early Saturday who were ambushed by the attackers in what the county prosecutor described as a "ruthless and targeted attack."
The Charges
Francisco Otilio Gaytan, 27, Benny LiconGomez, 27, and Eduardo Lopez, 21, all of Northridge, were charged with one felony count of murder and two felony counts of attempted second-degree robbery.
The Incident
At about 1:30 a.m. Saturday, Gaytan, LiconGomez and Lopez approached the parked vehicle on Bryant Street near Tampa Avenue in Northridge, demanded money and opened fire, prosecutors said. All three occupants were struck by gunfire.
In a statement, the LAPD said the victims were in the area to meet with friends when they were targeted in a robbery attempt.
De la Rosa later died at a hospital. Two people in the vehicle suffered critical injuries.
Arrests and Arraignments
Gaytan was arrested the same day. Bond was set at $2.1 million and arraignment was scheduled for Jan. 7. LiconGomez was arrested Sunday. Bond was set at $2.2 million and arraignment was scheduled for Wednesday, but continued to January.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Lopez.
All face a maximum penalty of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Reaction from Authorities
"This was a ruthless and targeted attack that stole the life of a young woman and artist and inflicted profound lifelong trauma on her family and the two survivors," Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. "My Office will pursue this case aggressively to ensure those responsible are held fully accountable for this senseless and deadly violence."
LAPD investigators, the FBI Fugitive Task Force, Devonshire Area Gang Enforcement Detail, Mission Area Gang Enforcement Detail, and Valley Bureau Section homicide detectives identified the suspects, police said.
Tributes to the Victim
De la Rosa, who has more than 40,000 followers on Instagram, announced in August that she released a Spanish-language single, "No Me Llames." Word of her death was followed by tributes from prominent figures in Latin music, including a post from Colombian reggaeton artist Sharik, who wrote in Spanish, "Te amaré siempre" — "I will always love you."
Juan Moises, lead singer of Los Gemelos de Sinaloa, responded by posting three dove emoji.
Conclusion
The Northridge shooting has sent shockwaves through the Latin music community, with many paying tribute to the young artist DELAROSA. The authorities are working to ensure that justice is served, and the suspects face the maximum penalty for their actions.
FAQs
Q: Who were the suspects charged in the Northridge shooting?
A: Francisco Otilio Gaytan, 27, Benny LiconGomez, 27, and Eduardo Lopez, 21, were charged with one felony count of murder and two felony counts of attempted second-degree robbery.
Q: What was the motive behind the attack?
A: The attack is believed to have been a robbery attempt.
Q: What was the outcome for the victims?
A: De la Rosa died at a hospital, and two people in the vehicle suffered critical injuries.
Q: What is the maximum penalty the suspects face?
A: The suspects face a maximum penalty of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
