Amber Laflora Obituary, Death – A woman who was fatally shot in a parking lot in Hawthorne has been identified as 37-year-old Amber Laflora, officials confirmed on Saturday. The shooting occurred early Friday morning outside the VIP Sports Bar, where Laflora had reportedly been celebrating with karaoke and planning to host her upcoming birthday party in August, according to her social media posts.
Although officials haven’t officially released details about her family, comments on Laflora’s social media suggest she was the mother of six. KTLA is still working to verify that information.
Authorities say the shooting was the result of a dispute between Laflora and another woman. The argument is believed to have started inside the bar and then continued into the parking lot. Laflora had reportedly gone outside and was sitting in a car when another altercation occurred between her and the suspect. That confrontation ended with gunfire.
Unverified reports from local news service TNLA claimed that a witness saw Laflora being forcibly pulled from the vehicle and shot multiple times in the abdomen. While these details have not been confirmed by authorities, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) did confirm that the incident happened around 1:50 a.m. in the 11000 block of South Inglewood Avenue.
Responding deputies and Hawthorne police found Laflora in the parking lot with gunshot wounds. Despite efforts from paramedics, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
As of Saturday morning, no arrests have been made, and the suspect has not been publicly identified. According to LASD, the shooter is believed to be an adult woman who fled the scene in a silver luxury vehicle.
Lt. Steve De Jong from LASD emphasized the need for the public’s assistance in the investigation, stating, “We’re asking for the public’s help because we knew there were at least 40-50 people in this parking lot.” Surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts may be crucial in identifying the suspect.
Footage from TNLA showed a significant police presence around the bar and shopping center where the incident occurred. Many bar patrons and members of the public could be seen leaving the area, while some stayed behind, likely to provide statements to law enforcement. Investigators had set up a perimeter with caution tape around the crime scene.
The LASD is urging anyone with information related to the shooting to come forward. Witnesses can contact the department’s Homicide Bureau directly at 323-890-5500. For those wishing to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted by calling “Crime Stoppers” at 800-222-TIPS (8477) or by visiting http://lacrimestoppers.org.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of a woman whose life ended in a tragic act of violence, with many hoping that justice will soon be served.
