Investigation underway after woman found dead in bullet-riddled car in South Los Angeles

An investigation is underway after a woman was found shot to death in a car riddled with bullet holes in South Los Angeles earlier this week.

The shooting occurred around 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 2, near the Vermont Avenue exit of the 105 Freeway, according to a statement from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

“It was initially unclear if the vehicle belonged to the suspect or the victim,” the LASD press release said. “From the patrol car, the deputy requested assistance from the South Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station and the Los Angeles County Fire Department.”

When they arrived, they found the woman, identified as 22-year-old Raejonette Morgan, in her car with gunshot wounds. She was taken to a nearby hospital where she died a few days later, on July 4.

Now the family is demanding a more thorough investigation into the actions of the first deputy called to the scene, a member of the park service.

In a statement, civil rights activist Najee Ali said the deputy “sat in his patrol car and did not render any assistance to the shooting victim.” They are represented by civil rights attorney Ben Crump.

“This tragic shooting has garnered national attention because a Facebook Live video went viral,” Ali’s press release said. “This deputy’s inaction, captured on video, is reminiscent of the sheriff’s deputy in the Uvalde, Texas, school shooting who stood by as children were shot and refused to help the schoolchildren who were begging for help and dying.”

The statement said Crump requested a meeting with Los Angeles Sheriff Robert Luna to learn what the department’s protocol is in the event that a shooting victim is still alive.

“We want this deputy’s name released and we want to see if there have been any complaints against him in the past alleging that he has not helped African-American crime victims,” ​​Ali said.

In a statement released early Friday morning, the LASD said it is “conducting a critical incident review of the entire incident, including the deputy’s response, equipment, training and tactics, to determine if department policies and procedures were followed.”

“We are deeply troubled by this incident and investigators are working tirelessly to solve this heinous murder and bring justice to the family. We extend our sincere condolences to the family of Raejonette Morgan during this tragic time,” the statement said. “The department is steadfast in its commitment to saving lives and protecting members of our community in any emergency situation.”

Anyone with additional information regarding the ongoing investigation is asked to contact the LASD Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.