Three men were charged with murder in a Northridge shooting over the weekend that killed a 22-year-old rising talent in the Latin music scene.
Maria de la Rosa, 22, who performed as DELAROSA, was one of three people in a vehicle early Saturday who were ambushed by the attackers in what the county prosecutor described as a “ruthless and targeted attack.”
Francisco Otilio Gaytan, 27, Benny LiconGomez, 27, and Eduardo Lopez, 21, all of Northridge, were charged with one felony count of murder and two felony counts of attempted second-degree robbery.
At about 1:30 a.m. Saturday, Gaytan, LiconGomez and Lopez approached the parked vehicle on Bryant Street near Tampa Avenue in Northridge, demanded money and opened fire, prosecutors said. All three occupants were struck by gunfire.
De la Rosa later died at a hospital. Two people in the vehicle suffered critical injuries.
Gaytan was arrested the same day. Bond was set at $2.1 million and arraignment was scheduled for Jan. 7. LiconGomez was arrested Sunday. Bond was set at $2.2 million and arraignment was scheduled for Nov. 26.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Lopez.
All face a maximum penalty of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
“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,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. “My Office will pursue this case aggressively to ensure those responsible are held fully accountable for this senseless and deadly violence.”
It was not immediately clear whether the defendants have attorneys.
De la Rosa, who has more than 40,000 followers on Instagram, announced in August that she released a Spanish-language single, “No Me Llames.” Word of her death was followed by tributes from prominent figures in Latin music, including a post from Colombian reggaeton artist Sharik, who wrote in Spanish, “Te amaré siempre” — “I will always love you.”
Juan Moises, lead singer of Los Gemelos de Sinaloa, responded by posting three dove emoji.
Allison Craig is a passionate sports writer and analyst with a deep love for game strategies, player performances, and the latest trends in the sports world. With years of experience covering football, basketball, tennis, and more, she delivers insightful analysis and engaging content for sports enthusiasts.
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