Africa Johnson Obituary, Death News – In a tragic shooting incident early Monday morning, authorities have identified 52-year-old Africa Johnson as one of the victims who lost her life. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed her identity on Saturday. Johnson was transported to a hospital following the shooting but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Another victim, 29-year-old Gregory DeRisso, was declared dead at the scene. Both deaths have been classified as homicides.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the violence erupted shortly after 1 a.m. at the intersection of 14th Place and Paloma Street. Investigators believe the incident may have been connected to a gang-related dispute, though the official motive remains under investigation.
The shooting left multiple others injured. A 34-year-old man and a 37-year-old man sustained critical injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Additionally, three men—aged 62, 28, and 26—and a 28-year-old woman were transported to hospitals by ambulance. Thankfully, these four victims were reported to be in stable condition.
While the official cause of the altercation has not been confirmed, local media reports have provided possible context. FOX11 reported that the violence appeared to stem from an argument at a warehouse party. ABC7 suggested that the gathering might have been an after-party linked to the conclusion of the two-day HARD Summer music festival, which had its final performance at Hollywood Park.
Authorities say no information about potential suspects has been released, and the investigation is ongoing. Detectives are working to piece together the events leading to the gunfire and to determine whether the shooting was premeditated or an escalation of a verbal dispute. The LAPD is also reviewing surveillance footage from nearby locations and interviewing witnesses in hopes of identifying those responsible.
The deaths of Johnson and DeRisso add to the troubling number of homicides in the city this year, with community leaders expressing concern over the recurring patterns of violence at large social gatherings. Officials have also highlighted the potential connection between gang activity and certain party environments, noting that unregulated venues can pose significant risks to public safety.
The HARD Summer music festival, known for attracting large crowds and vibrant performances, is not believed to have directly sponsored or organized the warehouse event where the shooting occurred. However, the possibility that the gathering served as an unofficial after-party has raised questions about crowd control and security at events following major public festivals.
As of now, police have urged anyone with knowledge of the incident to come forward. Tipsters can provide information anonymously through Crime Stoppers. Authorities stress that even small details could help advance the investigation and bring justice to the victims’ families.
The community remains on edge as investigators work to uncover the full story behind the shooting. For now, the deaths of Africa Johnson and Gregory DeRisso serve as a grim reminder of how quickly celebration can turn into tragedy when violence enters the scene.
