HAWTHORNE, CA – A scheduled basketball game in Hawthorne turned deadly on Saturday when a fight led to a fatal shooting. The incident left one man dead and another injured, as confirmed by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD).
The shooting took place around 11:30 a.m. in the 2000 block of 120th Street. The disagreement ignited among a group during an organized basketball game. The involved individuals departed the scene, only to return later. On their return, they began shooting at another group present at the location, according to the LASD.
A third group attempting to escape through a nearby park was chased by the initial group, who resumed firing their weapons near 120th Street and Daleside Avenue. However, no injuries were reported from this incident. The shooters then fled from the scene.
Aerial footage showcased the aftermath- a crime scene featuring two vehicles in a parking lot, surrounded by dozens of evidence markers. One vehicle showed clear signs of the shootout, with bullets having shattered the back window. The area remained cordoned off.
The victims of the initial shooting, two men in their mid-30s, were rushed to the hospital. One of them could not survive and was declared dead on arrival. The condition of the second victim remains undisclosed.
The incident is still under investigation by the Hawthorne Police Department and the LASD. Authorities are appealing to the public for information relating to the crime, and anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers.