Ambush style murder of aspiring Latin singer, Maria De La Rosa, leads to the arrest of suspects

Maria De La Rosa/Instagram

According to ABC7, three men have been charged with the ambush-style murder of 22-year-old Maria De La Rosa, an aspiring Latin singer who was fatally shot in Northridge, Los Angeles, on Saturday.

Maria, who performed under the name DELAROSA, was sitting in a vehicle with two others when three men approached and opened fire after demanding money. While all three victims were wounded, Maria was the only one who succumbed to her injuries. The other two individuals are currently in critical condition.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman identified the suspects as Francisco Otilio Gaytan, 27, Benny Licon Gomez, 27, and Eduardo Lopez, 21. Eduardo Lopez is reportedly still at large, while Francisco Gaytan and Benny Licon Gomez are in custody. They all face life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Gaytan's bail is set at $2,180,000, while Licon Gomez's bail is $2,280,000.

Maria's mother, Deyanira De La Rosa, shared her heartbreak during an interview with ABC7, expressing that she is living with unimaginable pain and guilt. "She's like 22; you can’t control your kids," she said. "All the time, she's outside. Why her? Why, why?"

The young singer, originally from Colombia, released her final single this summer, titled “No Me Llames” ("Don't Call Me"). Social media tributes have been pouring in for her.

This story will be updated.

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