by Los Angeles, California – An 18-year-old nursing student from Inglewood was fatally shot while riding a Metro bus in Los Angeles, leaving her family and community devastated. Authorities have confirmed that the suspected gunman is a 16-year-old boy who has since been arrested.
The Deadly Bus Incident
The shooting happened on August 22 near Manchester and Belford Avenues in the Westchester neighborhood, close to Los Angeles International Airport.
Authorities say Anastashia Morales, 18, and her boyfriend were heading home after a day at the beach when a fight broke out between him and a teenage passenger.
When Morales tried to intervene using pepper spray, the 16-year-old suspect pulled out a gun and shot her multiple times in the chest before fleeing the scene.
Morales was rushed to the hospital but later died from her injuries.
Family Devastated by Loss
Loved ones describe Morales as a bright and loving young woman who had her whole life ahead of her.
“It was such a senseless act of violence,” said her cousin Emily Garcia. “She was scared and I’m pretty sure he was scared as well. She just didn’t know what to do and she had pepper spray on her.”
Garcia said Morales was pursuing a career in nursing and had always been known as a “ray of sunshine.”
“She was the sweetest young lady you’ll ever meet,” Garcia told KTLA. “Always so loving. She was a beautiful and loving soul.”
Suspect Arrested
Police confirmed that the 16-year-old suspect has since been caught. Due to his age, his name has not been released.
Read Also: Jacksonville State University Student Missing for Over a Week; Search Expands to East Coast
Family members, however, say they want him to be charged as an adult for taking Morales’ life.
“He needs to pay for what he did,” Garcia said. “He took a young person’s life. Justice for her is for him to be behind bars for a very long time.”
Community Support and Fundraisers
In the wake of the tragedy, Morales’ family is receiving support from the community. A GoFundMe page has been launched to help cover funeral expenses.
In addition, a fundraiser selling food and drinks will be held on Sunday, September 7, at 11611 Culver Blvd. in Culver City, starting at 10 a.m.
Morales is survived by her mother, five siblings, and a wide circle of friends and relatives.
What do you think – should a 16-year-old be charged as an adult in this case? Share your thoughts in the comments at ibwhsmag.com.
