A 22-year-old rising Latino music artist’s life ended in a hail of bullets during what prosecutors call a “ruthless and targeted” ambush that has left one killer still roaming free.
Story Highlights
- DELAROSA, a 22-year-old Latino music artist, was fatally shot during an armed robbery in Northridge, California
- Three suspects charged with murder—two arrested, one still at large with active warrant
- Attack occurred at 1:25 a.m. on November 22, 2025, striking all three vehicle occupants
- Prosecutors characterize the shooting as “ruthless and targeted” ambush-style violence
- Each suspect faces life imprisonment without parole if convicted
Fatal Ambush Claims Rising Star
Maria De La Rosa, known professionally as DELAROSA, was building her career in the Latino music scene when three armed men approached her parked vehicle on Bryant Street near Tampa Avenue in Northridge. The attackers demanded money before opening fire, striking all three occupants and ending the young artist’s promising future in an instant.
The brazen attack unfolded in the early morning hours, transforming what should have been a routine moment into a deadly encounter. Two other victims survived with critical injuries, their lives forever changed by the senseless violence that claimed their companion’s life.
Swift Justice Moves Forward
Law enforcement moved quickly to apprehend the suspects. Francisco Otilio Gaytan, 27, was arrested the same day as the shooting. Benny LiconGomez, 27, followed him into custody the next day. Both men now face murder charges and attempted robbery counts, with bail set at over $2 million each.
Eduardo Lopez, 21, remains the missing piece of this deadly puzzle. An active arrest warrant seeks the youngest suspect, whose bail has been set at $2.2 million should he be captured. His continued freedom represents an ongoing threat to public safety and a painful reminder to the victim’s family that justice remains incomplete.
Prosecutors Promise Aggressive Pursuit
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman minced no words when describing the attack. He characterized it as “ruthless and targeted,” signaling his office’s commitment to pursuing maximum penalties against all three defendants. The designation suggests this wasn’t a random crime of opportunity but a calculated act of violence.
Each suspect faces one felony count of murder and two felony counts of attempted second-degree robbery. If convicted, they could spend life behind bars without the possibility of parole. The severity of potential sentences reflects both the heinous nature of the crime and California’s tough stance on violent felonies involving firearms.
Community Mourns Lost Potential
DELAROSA’s death reverberates through the Latino music community, where emerging artists often struggle for recognition and opportunity. At just 22 years old, she represented the dreams and aspirations of countless young performers working to make their mark in an competitive industry.
The incident highlights the vulnerability faced by young artists, particularly those from minority communities. The loss extends beyond her immediate family to include fans, fellow musicians, and industry professionals who recognized her potential. Her death serves as a stark reminder that talent and youth offer no protection against the random violence that can shatter lives in an instant.
Sources:
Three Men Charged With Murder in Fatal Ambush of Music Artist DELAROSA
