Double Murder Suspect Identified; Police Seek Public's Help

LONG BEACH, CA — The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is asking for the public's help in finding a man suspected of fatally shooting a mother and daughter in a drive-by shooting in Compton earlier this week.

Authorities say Compton resident Donte Lamont Brown, 41, shot and killed La'von Hall, 45, and her daughter, Ma'Laysia Martin, 22, on the night of April 1. Brown is Hall's estranged boyfriend, according to the LASD.

Hall was in a car and stopped at a red light in the area of Caldewell Street and South Central Avenue around 7 p.m. when Brown drove up alongside her and fired several rounds into her vehicle, according to deputies.

Hall and Martin, who was in the passenger seat, were both struck several times by the gunfire, authorities said. They both died at the scene.

Brown drove off southbound on Central Avenue before deputies arrived, according to authorities. His whereabouts are currently unknown, though the LASD said he is known to frequent the Compton and Long Beach areas.

"Detectives have exhausted all leads and seek the public's assistance in locating suspect Brown," the LASD said in a statement Thursday, adding that Brown is considered to be armed and dangerous.

The LASD asks anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may submit a tip through “LA Crime Stoppers” by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the “P3 Tips” app to your smartphone (available at the Apple App store and Google Play), or visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org.