A tight-knit South Bay community has been shaken by a fatal shooting that resulted in a car crashing into Martha’s Beauty Salon on the northwest corner of Lennox Boulevard and Bruin Avenue in Lennox on Monday night.
Thirty-four-year-old Melissa Osorio, known as Meli or Maryjane to her friends, was driving a gray Dodge Challenger within the 4400 block of Lennox Avenue late Monday when she was shot, losing control of the car, according to Lt. Daniel Vizcarra with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, who responded to the scene shortly after 9 p.m.
The car crashed into the salon where Osorio, herself, often got her hair done, family and friends said.
Osorio and her unnamed passenger were both shot in the torso, Vizcarra said. Osorio died at the scene and the man was transported to the hospital in critical condition, he added.
The motive for the shooting and how many suspects were involved remain unknown, Vizcarra said.
Osorio’s father, Armando Osorio, said his daughter was kind and friendly – a mother to seven children, ranging from 3 years old to 19.
He said that earlier that day Osorio’s car had been stolen. He did not know if the shooting was related to his daughter’s stolen car or who the Dodge Challenger she was driving belonged to.
“Investigators believe there may have been a dating relationship between the two victims,” Vizcarra said in a written statement. Osorio’s father confirmed that two were dating.
By Wednesday afternoon, the wreckage had been cleared from the site, with the wall of Martha’s Beauty Salon boarded up. The owner of the salon declined to comment.
Outside the salon, an impromptu vigil for Osorio arose. Flowers, candles and letters filled the sidewalk with many members of the community stopping by to visit the site.
Many of Osorio’s childhood friends took to social media to pay tribute to her. A GoFundMe account was created by Stephanie Preciado to raise money for her funeral and burial services. As of Wednesday evening, more than $1,000 had been raised with a goal of $5,500.
“Most of us knew Melissa from growing up together in the same city,” read the GoFundMe description. “Anyone who knew her remembers her wild spirit, kind heart, and willingness to help anyone in need. She gave so much of herself to others, always showing love, compassion, and generosity.”
The suspect remains at large and the incident is under investigation, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Anyone with information can contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.
Reporter Nathaniel Percy contributed to this report.