A shooting near a candlelight vigil in Watts early Sunday left one woman dead and another wounded, authorities said. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. near the intersection of East 104th Street and Wilmington Avenue, where a crowd had gathered to honor Albertshay Russell, a 32-year-old woman allegedly killed by her boyfriend earlier in the week. Police confirmed one victim, a 30-year-old woman, died at a hospital after suffering a single gunshot wound. A 31-year-old woman arrived at a separate hospital with a gunshot wound, which authorities suspect is linked to the same shooting. No suspects were in custody as of Sunday afternoon.
Vigil for Alleged Domestic Violence Victim
The vigil was held for Russell, who family members say was shot by her boyfriend, Andre Brandley, on Monday. Police have not yet confirmed Brandley’s involvement, but Russell’s family told local media she had defensive wounds on her hands, contradicting the boyfriend’s mother’s claim that the shooting was a suicide. Russell is survived by four children, at least one of whom witnessed the incident, according to family.
Crime Trends in Los Angeles
The shooting occurred amid a broader decline in violent crime in Los Angeles. As of May 23, homicides were down roughly 11% compared to the same period last year, while burglaries and motor vehicle thefts had fallen by nearly a third. The Southeast patrol area, which includes Watts, had recorded eight killings this year, down from 17 in the same span in 2025.
Police have not released a motive or suspect description. The investigation is ongoing.