COMPTON – Authorities Wednesday identified a 45-year-old woman who was shot to death in Compton moments after she and a male victim were intentionally struck by a vehicle driven by the suspect, who then took his own life.
The attack occurred near the 900 block of South Central Avenue at around 11:10 p.m. Monday, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Deputies went to the location on a report of a shooting.
“Investigators learned two victims — a male adult and a female adult — were sitting in a car in the 900 block of South Central Avenue … when a male suspect arrived and intentionally crashed his car into their vehicle,” a sheriff’s department statement said.
“After the collision, the male and the female victims got out of the vehicle, the male victim ran toward a gas station as the suspect shot at him,” the statement said. “However, he was not struck by gunfire. The female victim ran into a local business where the suspect followed her and proceeded to shoot her.”
The woman died at the scene. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner later identified her as Theresa Pina.
“The suspect was also found inside the location with an apparent, self-inflicted, gunshot wound,” the statement said. “The suspect was treated at the scene by the Compton City Fire Department and transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.”
The suspect’s name was withheld pending notification of his relatives.
“The male victim was transported to a local hospital for injuries he likely sustained during the vehicle collision,” the sheriff’s statement said. “The relationship between the suspect and the victims is part of the ongoing investigation. Investigators do not believe this was a random incident.”
Authorities said a weapon was recovered at the scene, and the investigation was continuing.
Anyone with information on the case was urged to call the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Tipsters may also call Crime Stoppers at 800- 222-TIPS, or use the website lacrimestoppers.org.
