On Thursday, March 23rd, 2023, at approximately 11:15 PM, Hawthorne police officers responded on an “unknown trouble” call at a multi-unit residential complex in the 12600 block of Ramona Avenue. Upon arrival, patrol officers located three deceased adults (two males, one female) inside of an apartment unit. All three had been shot. The three adults were pronounced deceased at the scene by LA County Fire Department personnel. One deceased male is estimated to be in his late 30s to early 40s. The second deceased male is estimated to be i his early to mid 20s. The deceased female is estimated to be in her late 30s to early 40s. The older man and woman were in a dating relationship. The younger adult male was the deceased woman’s son from a previous relationship. Hawthorne police detectives believe that all the deceased individuals knew one another.
Additionally, when the incident occurred, there were five minors inside the apartment, all of whom have since been identified as children of the deceased woman. Their ages range from seven months up to 15 years old. The minors are being cared for the LA County Department of Children and Family Services. None of the minors were physically injured during the incident.
Based on a preliminary investigation, Hawthorne police detectives believe the incident is a result of domestic violence. At this time, there are no outstanding suspects being sought by police, and there is no threat to the public. Statements obtained from witnesses (the children who were present) indicate that the older male shot and killed the female victim. The younger adult male then confronted the older male, during which both men were shot and killed.
The Hawthorne Police Department and the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office are investigating this incident. All parties have been identified but their names are not being released at this time, pending notification to additional next of kin.