La’von Hall, 45, and Ma’Laysia Martin, 22, Identified as Victims in Compton Drive-By Shooting; Donte Lamont Brown, 41, Suspected in Fatal Attack, Authorities Seek Public Assistance

On April 1, 2025, a horrific drive-by shooting claimed the lives of La’von Hall, 45, and her daughter, Ma’Laysia Martin, 22, as they were stopped at an intersection in Compton, California. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) has identified Donte Lamont Brown, 41, as the prime suspect in the shooting, which is believed to be an act of domestic violence. Authorities are now seeking the public’s help in locating Brown, who remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous.

The tragic event occurred on Tuesday, March 31, 2025, at approximately 7:00 p.m., at the intersection of Caldwell Street and South Central Avenue. Investigators believe Brown, a Compton resident, pulled up alongside the victims’ vehicle while they were waiting at a stoplight. In an unprovoked attack, he opened fire on Hall and Martin, fatally wounding both women. Hall, despite her efforts to flee the scene, collapsed after attempting to exit the car, while Martin, who was seated in the passenger side, succumbed to her injuries as well. Despite swift emergency response, both women were pronounced dead at the scene.

The Victims: La’von Hall and Ma’Laysia Martin

La’von Hall, 45, was a beloved mother, daughter, and friend, known for her resilience and warmth. A dedicated family member, she had a significant presence in her community and was known for her caring nature. Her daughter, Ma’Laysia Martin, 22, was a bright, promising young woman with a vibrant future ahead of her. While the specifics of her aspirations are still emerging, those close to her described her as intelligent, ambitious, and full of potential. The pair’s lives were tragically cut short in a senseless act of violence.

This case has sent shockwaves through the Compton area, leaving residents and family members devastated. Local leaders have expressed their outrage and grief over the loss, emphasizing the impact of domestic violence on families and communities.

The Suspect: Donte Lamont Brown

Donte Lamont Brown, 41, a Compton resident, is the prime suspect in the fatal drive-by shooting. Authorities believe that the attack stems from a domestic dispute, although further details about the relationship between Brown and the victims remain under investigation.

Brown is described as armed and dangerous, with a history that may include violent tendencies. He was last seen fleeing the crime scene in a vehicle, traveling southbound on South Central Avenue. Investigators believe that Brown frequently stays in the Compton and Long Beach areas, which has led authorities to focus their search in these neighborhoods.

The LASD issued an appeal on Thursday, April 3, 2025, asking for the public’s help in locating Brown. Detective Bureau officials are urging anyone with information about his whereabouts or potential sightings to come forward. Investigators are especially seeking details about his movements following the crime and are keen on obtaining any tips that could lead to his capture.

The Shooting Incident: A Desperate and Violent Act

According to LASD reports, the shooting was a premeditated act of violence carried out in broad daylight. Hall and Martin had been driving in a vehicle and stopped at the intersection of Caldwell Street and South Central Avenue around 7 p.m. When they paused at the stoplight, Brown allegedly pulled up beside their car. Without warning, he opened fire on the two women, hitting both Hall and Martin with multiple gunshots.

Hall attempted to exit the car in an effort to flee, but she collapsed from her injuries, unable to escape the attack. Martin, seated in the passenger seat, was also struck by the gunfire and succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Despite emergency responders’ best efforts, both victims were pronounced dead shortly after authorities arrived.

Investigative Efforts and Public Appeal for Information

After responding to the scene of the shooting, LASD deputies began working swiftly to gather evidence and piece together the details surrounding the crime. Investigators are treating this case as a domestic violence-related homicide, as there are indications that the shooter and the victims had a past history together, though the exact nature of their relationship is still under investigation. It is believed that the incident may have been sparked by an ongoing dispute or conflict between Brown and Hall.

Authorities have not revealed any additional information about the relationship between Brown and the victims, leaving many questions unanswered. What is clear is that this shooting was a violent and senseless act that has left a family and community grieving.

The LASD has asked for the public’s assistance in locating Brown, describing him as armed and dangerous. The department is urging individuals with any knowledge of his whereabouts to contact them immediately. Investigators have identified several areas in Compton and Long Beach where Brown is known to frequent, which has allowed them to narrow down potential leads. They are hopeful that the public can provide crucial information that will lead to his capture.

Community Impact: A Family Devastated and a Neighborhood Reeling

The deaths of La’von Hall and Ma’Laysia Martin have sent shockwaves through the Compton community. Family members, friends, and neighbors of the victims have expressed their sorrow and frustration over the violence that claimed the lives of two innocent women.

La’von Hall’s family described her as a loving mother who always put the needs of her children first. Her daughter, Ma’Laysia, was known for her infectious personality and her bright outlook on life. She was just beginning to embark on her journey as an adult, full of dreams and ambitions.

The news of the shooting has been met with outrage by local leaders, many of whom have called attention to the rising concerns about domestic violence in the area. Compton City Councilmember Jonathan Bowers remarked that the incident appeared to be a case of domestic violence, a growing issue that requires more attention and resources in order to protect vulnerable individuals.

The shooting has sparked a renewed conversation about the impact of domestic violence in communities, with advocates stressing the need for better support systems and preventive measures. Authorities are urging anyone in an abusive relationship or witnessing signs of abuse to seek help and report any suspicious activity.

The Search for Donte Lamont Brown

As the search for Donte Lamont Brown continues, law enforcement officials are working around the clock to locate him and bring him to justice. The LASD has described Brown as a dangerous individual who should not be approached by the public. They have urged anyone who believes they have seen him or knows his whereabouts to immediately contact the Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.

The department has also opened up a hotline for anonymous tips through LA Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or online at lacrimestoppers.org. The authorities are hoping that members of the public can assist in the investigation by providing any information that could lead to Brown’s capture and help bring closure to the families of the victims.

Ongoing Investigation and Legal Implications

While Brown remains at large, the LASD continues to pursue all leads in the case. Investigators are working with local law enforcement agencies and leveraging community intelligence to track down the suspect. They are also reviewing any past incidents that might shed light on the nature of the relationship between Brown and Hall, as well as any prior acts of violence or threats made by Brown.

Once captured, Donte Lamont Brown will likely face multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, and the illegal use of a firearm. Given the nature of the crime, authorities anticipate that he may be charged with additional counts, such as domestic violence-related offenses, depending on the investigation’s findings.

The case is expected to be one of several high-profile cases in Compton in 2025, as the city grapples with issues of gun violence and domestic abuse. Legal experts believe that this case could set a precedent for how domestic violence cases are handled in California, particularly when they result in such violent and tragic outcomes.

A Call for Justice and Healing

As the community continues to mourn the tragic loss of La’von Hall and Ma’Laysia Martin, there is a collective call for justice. Family members and community advocates are seeking justice for the victims and demanding that Donte Lamont Brown be apprehended and held accountable for his actions.

The families of Hall and Martin have expressed their pain and grief, but they are determined to see justice served. They are also working to raise awareness about domestic violence and to honor the memories of the two women who were taken from them too soon. In their memory, the community has come together in solidarity to call for an end to such senseless acts of violence.

The search for Brown continues, and authorities remain hopeful that the public will step forward with any information that could help bring closure to the victims’ families and ensure that justice is served.