Police are searching for a suspect after two people were fatally shot during a private party at a club near a college campus in Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Police Department said that they received reports of gunfire shortly after 11 p.m. on Friday, October 2, in the San Fernando Valley, per KTLA. The shots were fired at Artist Lounge, which is located near California State University-Northridge.
LAPD Lt. Guy Golan told the outlet that two victims were found at the scene. Golan added at the time that there was another possible victim and that investigators were searching for them.
Footage from the scene showed people leaving the Artist Lounge following the gunfire.
“It all happened so fast,” one witness told ABC 7. “This guy pulls out a gun from his waist and aims at one person — boom. Then, he turned around to get another guy, but he totally missed and got someone else in the back.”
18-year-old Jaydin Lewis has since been identified as one of the victims. Lewis’ family told ABC 7 he was a student at Stoney Point High School and was looking forward to attending college, where he planned to major in marine biology.
“One of our own. We’ve never had this type of tragedy in our family … and this is just so hard for us,” Lewis’ aunt, Tara Maxwell Lewis, told the outlet of her nephew.
Maxwell Lewis added that Lewis “was so kind and gentle, and he loved my mom so much. He was the only one who was there to help her.”
Lewis’ family is now urging the gunman to turn themselves in. “Turn yourself in because it’s the right thing to do. We’re looking for justice for my family, as well as the other family,” Maxwell Lewis said.
The second victim has not yet been named, though the LAPD said that she was a 19-year-old Hispanic female.
Following the tragedy, Artist Lounge shared its plans to host a vigil on Sunday, October 4, to honor the patrons who were killed.
“This tragic incident occurred during a private promotional event for up-and-coming music artists,” the venue said in a social media statement. “Private security was present, but sadly, someone made the devastating decision to bring violence into our space, resulting in the loss of two lives. Our hearts are with the victims, their families and everyone affected by this tragedy.”
“Artist Lounge was created to be a place where people can come together through creativity, music, art, dance, and freedom of expression,” the statement continued. “We want everyone who walks through our doors to feel welcome, supported, and safe. The safety of our guests, students, families and community remains our top priority.”
Police have asked that anyone with information regarding the fatal shooting contact the LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division’s Valley Bureau Section at 818-374-9550.
