Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
2 People Shot to Death Near USC, May Have Been Carjacking Gone Wrong [UPDATED]
Photo by carl ballou via Shutterstock
Two people were shot to death inside a vehicle in the West Adams area, and authorities suspect the killing was a botched carjacking attempt.
Los Angeles Police Department officers arrived to the 2700 block of Raymond Avenue just after 1 a.m. Wednesday, according to City News Service. They found a woman slumped at the wheel of a late model BMW with blown out windows, and the man collapsed on the steps of a nearby home--suggesting he may have gotten out of the car before dying.
Both victims were in their 20s.
This morning, police say the woman is an International student at the University of Southern California and is from China. LAPD Cmdr. Andy Smith says they were not able to confirm any affiliation with the man and USC, however L.A. Now suggests the man, also Asian, was also a USC student.
Smith said that one possible scenario they are investigating is that the killings were a part of a "bungled carjacking." The vehicle was new, and had paper plates. Authorities are working to determine if the vehicle was in motion when the shots were fired, or if someone walked up to the parked vehicle.
One assailant was reportedly seen leaving the scene of the crime.
The shooter is still at large.
Sponsored message
UPDATE 9:06 AM: The Los Angeles Police Department now says both victims of today's early-morning shooting in the West Adams area were USC graduate students from China, reports CNS.
2:55 PM Police have identified the victims as Ying Wu and Ming Qu. More info here.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
