A pool party in Compton, California turned chaotic and deadly on Friday night, June 7, 2024, when gunfire erupted, leaving one man dead and several others injured. The incident occurred around 8 p.m. on East Greenleaf Boulevard near Mayo Avenue, drawing a swift response from the Compton Fire Department and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies.
Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots and seeing about 100 partygoers fleeing the scene. “We heard people running and pow, pow, pow. It was multiple shots,” said Ebony Smith, a neighbor. Smith and her three-year-old daughter took cover inside their home, frightened by the sudden violence. “It scared my baby more than anything,” Smith added. “She’s just a toddler.”
Upon arrival, deputies discovered a man with gunshot wounds who was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim was later identified by family members as Robert Abdelkader III, a 27-year-old local owner of two catering businesses who was catering the graduation party. “He was a tremendous young man,” said Ernest Green, a relative. “Just a wonderful person … As a community as a whole, we got to get past the ignorant part of it.”
Five other individuals, including three women and two men, were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Witnesses reported that four adult men yelling gang slurs walked into the house where the party was held and just started shooting.
The shooting has left the community in shock, especially as the suspect or suspects remain at large. Christian Lopez, who was preparing for his wedding the next day near the scene of the shooting, expressed his relief that the event could still proceed. “It almost didn’t happen, but luckily they were able to clear everything out, and we can continue with our celebration,” Lopez said. His bride, Liz Pardo, shared her anxiety, “I’m stressed out enough, and to top this off, [the shooting] happening right in front, it’s scary.”
Residents voiced their fears and concerns over the safety of their neighborhood. “I don’t know if I should keep the gates open when I have people over,” said Pardo. “I have a little kid, so you have to be a little more aware.” The incident has left many questioning their sense of security. “We don’t know what’s going to happen,” Smith commented. “I feel sorry for the mother who lost her son. Nobody should have to go through that. No mother should have to bury their child.”
Authorities are actively investigating the shooting, but as of now, no motive has been determined, and no suspect descriptions are available. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department urges anyone with information to come forward.
