A 20-year-old mother was fatally shot while sleeping beside her 1-year-old daughter after a bullet pierced the bedroom window of her Los Angeles home in the early hours of Sunday, July 19. Authorities are investigating the deadly shooting to determine whether the victim was specifically targeted or struck by a stray bullet.
Victim Identified as Maria Barrios Ventura
The victim has been identified by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner as Maria Barrios Ventura, 20. According to officials, Ventura was asleep inside her home in the 400 block of West 103rd Street in the Vermont Vista neighborhood of South Los Angeles when the shooting occurred.
Police responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 3:35 a.m. after receiving emergency calls about the incident.
Bullet Entered Bedroom Window
According to investigators, the fatal shot entered Ventura’s bedroom through a window while she was sleeping. Officers with the Los Angeles Police Department arrived at the residence and found Ventura suffering from gunshot wounds.
Police sources indicated that she had been struck in the head. Despite emergency efforts by paramedics, Ventura was pronounced dead at the scene.
Baby Daughter Was Sleeping Beside Her
Ventura’s boyfriend, Omar Misael, told reporters that the couple and their 1-year-old daughter had been sleeping together in the same bed when the shooting happened.
The child was not injured during the incident.
Misael said the family had been asleep when the gunfire erupted outside the home.
Family Believes Stray Bullet Hit the Home
While investigators have not determined whether the shooting was targeted, Misael said he believes the fatal shot was a stray bullet.
According to him, one bullet traveled through the bedroom window and struck Ventura, while several additional rounds hit the area surrounding the home.
He said Ventura died only minutes after being shot.
Nearby Properties Also Damaged
The gunfire also affected neighboring properties.
A nearby resident, Jose Chavez, said multiple bullets struck his property, damaging his vehicle and windows.
He stated that one of the bullets also injured another individual, while Ventura tragically lost her life during the shooting.
The damage to surrounding homes highlights the danger posed by the multiple rounds fired into the residential neighborhood.
Investigation Continues
Los Angeles police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Detectives are working to determine:
- Whether Ventura was the intended target.
- If the shooting resulted from stray gunfire.
- Who was responsible for firing the shots.
- The events leading up to the deadly incident.
Authorities have not announced any arrests or identified any suspects.
Community Mourns Young Mother
Family members have described Ventura as a devoted young mother whose sudden death has devastated loved ones.
A fundraiser created by her aunt, Liliana Lopez, says Ventura leaves behind her partner and her 1-year-old daughter, who now faces life without her mother.
According to the fundraiser, the family hopes to use donations to cover funeral expenses, transport Ventura’s remains to Guatemala so she can be laid to rest with relatives, and provide ongoing support for her young daughter.
Lopez wrote that most of Ventura’s family lives in Guatemala, leaving limited local support for the child during this difficult time.
Authorities Seeking Answers
The Los Angeles Police Department continues gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses as detectives work to determine exactly how the shooting unfolded.
Officials have not released further details regarding possible suspects or a motive, and the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information that could assist investigators is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles Police Department.
