The heartbroken family of a woman killed in a shooting near the 105 Freeway is holding a candlelight vigil in her memory as they seek justice for her death.
Raejonette Morgan, 22, was the innocent victim of gang violence and was mistaken for someone else when she was shot while in her vehicle near the Vermont Avenue exit of the 105 Freeway in South Los Angeles, her family claims.
She was rushed to Harbor UCLA Medical Center, where she died two days later.
According to Morgan’s family, they have footage of a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputy sitting in his car as bystanders smashed the windows of her car to render aid.
The family and their attorney are prioritizing the urgent need to find the perpetrators of the shooting while also demanding an investigation into whether the deputy’s inaction contributed to her death.
Video circulating on social media shows both bystanders and law enforcement officials responding to the scene; in the post’s caption, the police response was described as “an absolute failure.”
In a statement, LASD said they would be conducting a “critical incident review” of the deputy’s response, equipment, training and tactics to determine if department policies and procedures were followed.
“We are deeply concerned about this incident and detectives are diligently working to solve this heinous murder and bring justice to the family,” the statement read in part. “We extend our sincere condolences to the family of Raejonette Morgan during this tragic time.”
“We appreciate the concerned community members who stopped at the scene to provide aid,” LASD added.
No arrests have been made in connection with Morgan’s shooting death and no suspect descriptions have been released, but investigators believe the shooting is possibly gang-related.
The vigil is scheduled for Saturday at 7 p.m. at the South Park Recreation Center, located at 345 East 51st Street in South Los Angeles.
All members of the public are welcome.