Los Angeles County prosecutors have unveiled serious charges against three men linked to the shooting death of rising Latin music star Maria De La Rosa, known by her stage name “DELAROSA.” This tragic event unfolded on November 22 in Northridge, where De La Rosa was killed in what authorities are calling an ambush-style attack. The incident not only claimed the life of a talented 22-year-old but also left two other victims in critical condition.
The suspects, identified as Francisco Otilio Gaytan and Benny Licon Gomez, both 27, and Eduardo Lopez, 21, have been charged with murder and attempted robbery. Gaytan and Gomez are currently held without bail, facing one felony count of murder and two counts of attempted second-degree robbery. Lopez, however, remains at large as of the latest reports. Such a violent turn of events has shocked the community, and locals are now grappling with the aftermath.
Details from the Los Angeles Police Department indicate that the tragedy began shortly after 1:25 a.m. as the victims were parked on Bryant Street. Reports suggest that the suspects approached the vehicle to carry out a robbery. The victims attempted to escape, but the assailants opened fire, striking De La Rosa, who later succumbed to her injuries at a hospital. Witnesses recounted a harrowing scene, describing how two suspects targeted the parked vehicle and unleashed a hail of bullets. The LAPD characterized the incident as a ruthless attack, suggesting this was not a random act of violence but rather a premeditated effort to rob the victims.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman expressed outrage at the senseless nature of the violence. “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,” he stated. Hochman assured that the prosecution will aggressively pursue justice in this heartbreaking case, affirming the community’s demand for accountability in the face of such devastation.
It appears the robbery motive lies at the heart of the case, though investigations continue. If the suspects are convicted, they face life imprisonment without the possibility of parole—a fate that underscores the severity of their alleged actions.
De La Rosa’s brief career saw her release her debut single, “No Me Llames,” in August, and she was quickly gaining traction as a musician and social media personality. Her untimely death has resonated deeply with fans and fellow artists alike, with tributes flooding her final Instagram post. Among those sharing condolences are prominent figures in the Latin music scene, such as record executive Jimmy Humilde and Juan Moises, the leader of the band Los Gemelos de Sinaloa.
The loss of DELAROSA is not just a personal tragedy for her family and friends but a blow to the broader community that was beginning to embrace her talent and artistry. As prosecutors prepare to hold the suspects accountable, the case serves as a somber reminder of the violence that can shatter lives in an instant. Del Rosa’s voice, however, will continue to resonate through her music, leaving a lasting legacy even in the face of such sorrow.
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