In the early hours of Saturday, November 22, 2025, a parked car in the Northridge neighborhood of Los Angeles became the scene of a brutal ambush‑style shooting. Inside the vehicle was 22‑year‑old singer Maria De La Rosa, known professionally as DELAROSA, along with two others. According to prosecutors, three men approached the car near Bryant Street and Tampa Avenue shortly before 1:25 a.m., demanded money, and then opened fire. All three occupants were struck by bullets. DELAROSA was rushed to a hospital but later died from her injuries. The other two victims remain in critical condition.
On Wednesday, authorities filed formal charges against three men alleged to have carried out the attack. The accused are Francisco Otilio Gaytan (27), Benny LiconGomez (27), and Eduardo Lopez (21), all from Northridge. Each faces one felony count of murder and two counts of attempted second‑degree robbery. Two of the men have been arrested and are being held on bail exceeding two million dollars each. The third suspect remains at large, and a warrant has been issued for his arrest. If convicted, all face life in prison without the possibility of parole.
In a public statement the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office described the shooting as a “ruthless and targeted attack” that deprived the world of a young artist and inflicted lifelong trauma on her family and survivors.
DELAROSA was an emerging figure in the Latin music scene, combining her musical talent with a growing online presence. She released a single titled “No Me Llames” earlier this year under her stage name and had built up more than 40,000 followers on social media. Her most recent posts suggested she was working on new music, leading many fans to believe a breakthrough was only a matter of time.
In the wake of her death, messages of grief poured in from fans and fellow artists in the Latin music community. Some recalled her energy, talent, and the hope she inspired. One music producer noted in Spanish that the violence of the act made her loss feel even more painful.
Her family, still trying to process the tragedy, described her as more than a singer, “she was a beloved daughter, friend, and creative spirit”.
The attack shocked the community in Northridge and beyond. Investigators from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and local homicide detectives are continuing their probe into the circumstance surrounding the shooting. As of now the motive remains unclear, but law enforcement has indicated the attack could be connected to robbery. Anyone with information has been urged to come forward.
The nature of the attack, described as ambush‑style, has sparked concern over public safety, especially for young artists and influencers navigating life in Los Angeles. Fans and social‑media users have condemned the violence. Many have questioned how a rising star with dreams and potential could fall victim to what appears to have been a random or targeted act of brutality.
At just 22 years old, she had only begun to chart her path. Projects were underway, music was in the works, and fans were waiting. Now that future is gone, leaving behind grief, unanswered questions, and a haunting silence where music once echoed.
Bella Richardson is a dedicated journalist and news analyst known for her clear, thoughtful reporting and her ability to make complex stories accessible to a broad audience. With a Master of Science in Mass Communication, she brings both academic insight and real-world experience to her coverage of breaking news and trending topics throughout the United States.
