A candlelight vigil in Watts, Los Angeles ended in gunfire after a late-night gathering turned violent near East 104th Street and Wilmington Avenue. The incident happened around 2:00 a.m. on Sunday while people were still gathered in remembrance of a young mother whose death had already shaken the community.
According to police, officers responded after reports of shots fired in the area. When they arrived, a large crowd was still on scene, with chaos unfolding in the aftermath of the shooting.
A woman identified by family members as Milk Marie was found shot and later pronounced dead at the location. Another person was also struck by gunfire and taken to a nearby hospital, where they were reported to be in stable condition.
Authorities have not made any arrests. Investigators also confirmed that no clear suspect description has been released at this time, leaving the case open and developing.
The vigil was being held in memory of 32-year-old Albertshay Russell, a mother of four whose death had already drawn pain and anger from relatives and friends.
Family members say Russell was shot on Santa Ana Street in an earlier incident involving her boyfriend. They claim the boyfriend’s mother called 911 and initially described the death as a suicide, though relatives strongly dispute that version of events.
Police have since confirmed that Russell’s death is being treated as a homicide investigation, as questions continue to grow around what really happened that night.
Russell leaves behind four children, and loved ones say at least one of them may have witnessed the earlier shooting. A GoFundMe page has been set up as the family continues to mourn and search for answers.
