Los Angeles, CA: Tragically, four lives were lost within a 24-hour period this week due to a series of violent incidents in the Gateway Cities region of Los Angeles. Authorities have determined that the shootings, including two incidents outside elementary schools, are linked.
There was an incident that took place outside the Martha Escutia Primary Center in Bell shortly before 10:30 p.m. on Sunday. Tragically, there was a fatality, as reported by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Due to the unfortunate incident, the campus was closed on Monday.
Another shooting occurred approximately three miles from the school, shortly after midnight on Monday. There has been a report of a person found deceased.
Shortly after, authorities were alerted to a tragic incident outside the Ellen Ochoa Learning Center in the nearby town of Cudahy. Two teenagers were found with gunshot injuries at the location. Unfortunately, one of them passed away.
There was a shooting reported in the 6300 block of Sante Fe Avenue, which is approximately 3 miles away from the Ellen Ochoa Learning Center. The call was made to the Huntington Park Police around 2:35 a.m. Authorities discovered a lifeless individual on the road.
The shootings have deeply affected the East L.A. community, causing concern among local parents and school staff.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Hahn expressed her willingness to offer any assistance to the cities of Bell, Cudahy, and Huntington Park, stating that she has been in contact with them. “The proximity of two of these shootings to schools is particularly alarming.”
Officials from the Los Angeles Unified School District attempted to address concerns on Monday. The safety of students continues to be a top concern for school officials, according to a spokesperson.
“It’s important to note,” the spokesperson emphasized, “that this incident is unrelated to the school and our school community remains safe.”
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