Three men have been charged with murder in the ambush-style killing of Latin musician Delarosa in Los Angeles.
Maria De La Rosa, known professionally as Delarosa, was shot to death inside a car with two other occupants on Saturday in Northridge, when the suspects approached their parked car, demanded money and opened fire, authorities said.
NBC reports that Francisco Otilio Gaytan, 27; Benny LiconGomez, 27; and Eduardo Lopez, 21, were charged on Wednesday with one felony count of murder and two felony counts of attempted second-degree robbery.
Lopez remains a fugitive, according to prosecutors.
“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,” said Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman in a statement announcing the charges.
“My Office will pursue this case aggressively to ensure those responsible are held fully accountable for this senseless and deadly violence.”
Prosecutors allege Gaytan, LiconGomez and Lopez shot the three victims during a robbery shortly after 1.25am. De La Rosa succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds after paramedics rushed her to the hospital. The two other victims sustained critical injuries.
The incident is believed to be gang-related.
De La Rosa released her first song, No me llames (Don’t Call Me) in August. Fans and relatives of the rising talent in the Latin music scene were mourning her death this week.
Many people left messages expressing grief for the loss of the young performer, including music producer Jimmy Humilde and Juan Moises, lead singer of Los Gemelos de Sinaloa.
