by Los Angeles, CA – Loved ones are mourning the death of 18-year-old Anastashia Morales, who was fatally shot while riding a Metro bus in Los Angeles on August 22. The young nursing student was attempting to intervene in a dispute when the incident occurred.
Incident Details
Morales and her boyfriend were taking the bus home after a day at the beach when a fight broke out between her boyfriend and a 16-year-old male passenger.
According to authorities, Morales tried to intervene using pepper spray, but the teen suspect responded by shooting her multiple times in the chest. The shooter fled the scene before police arrived.
Police responded near Manchester and Belford Avenues in the Westchester neighborhood near Los Angeles International Airport. Morales was transported to a hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.
Family Reaction
Emily Garcia, Morales’ cousin, described the attack as “a senseless act of violence.” She said,
“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 the family is devastated over Morales’ death. The teen was an Inglewood nursing student with a promising future ahead.
“She was a ray of sunshine,” Garcia added. “She was the sweetest young lady you’ll ever meet. From an early age, always so loving. She was a beautiful and loving soul.”
Suspect Apprehende
Authorities have since caught the 16-year-old suspect, whose identity is withheld due to his minor status. Family members expressed a desire for the teen 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
A GoFundMe page has been established to assist Morales’ family with funeral expenses. Additionally, a fundraiser selling food and drinks is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 7, at 11611 Culver Blvd., Culver City, beginning at 10 a.m.
Family, friends, and community members are coming together to support Morales’ loved ones during this devastating time.
Survivors and Legacy
Morales is survived by her mother, five siblings, and a circle of friends and family who described her as a bright, loving, and compassionate young woman. Her family hopes that her story will serve as a reminder of the tragic consequences of gun violence and the importance of community safety on public transportation.
Share your thoughts and condolences in the comments below, and follow for updates as the investigation continues.
