Maria De La Rosa, a 22-year-old Latin singer known professionally as DELAROSA, was shot early Saturday morning in what prosecutors described as a ruthless, targeted ambush-style attack in Northridge. De La Rosa was transported to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. Two other victims sustained critical injuries. Three men face murder charges.
The shooting occurred around 1:25 a.m., Nov. 22, 2025, near Bryant Street and Tampa Avenue in the Northridge neighborhood of Los Angeles. De La Rosa was sitting in the passenger seat of a parked vehicle with two other occupants when the attack unfolded.
According to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office, the suspects approached the parked car, demanded money from the three people inside and then opened fire. All three occupants were struck by gunfire.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced charges Tuesday against Francisco Otilio Gaytan, 27, Benny LiconGomez, 27, and Eduardo Lopez, 21, all of Northridge. Each defendant faces one felony count of murder and two felony counts of attempted second-degree robbery.
“This was a ruthless and targeted attack that stole the life of a young woman and artist and inflicted profound lifelong trauma on her family and the two survivors,” Hochman said in a statement. “My office will pursue this case aggressively to ensure those responsible are held fully accountable for this senseless and deadly violence.”
Gaytan was arrested Saturday, the same day as the shooting, and is being held in lieu of $2.18 million bail. LiconGomez was arrested Sunday, Nov. 23, with bail set at $2.28 million. An arrest warrant has been issued for Lopez, who remains at large. His bail has been set at $2.2 million.
Both Gaytan and LiconGomez are scheduled for arraignment on Jan. 7, 2026, at the San Fernando Courthouse. LiconGomez’s arraignment was initially scheduled for Wednesday but was postponed to the January date. Lopez’s arraignment will be scheduled once he is apprehended.
If convicted as charged, all three defendants face the possibility of life in state prison without the possibility of parole. The maximum penalty reflects the severity of the charges and the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The case has drawn widespread attention from the Latin music community, with prominent figures expressing grief over the loss. The investigation involved multiple law enforcement agencies working in coordination to identify and apprehend the suspects.
Deyanira De La Rosa, the victim’s mother, spoke publicly about her daughter’s death, seeking answers and justice. “She was special for everyone,” the mother said. “She was my daughter. She was my best friend. She was a beautiful person, unique. She helped everyone.”
The young artist had been actively building her music career and engaging with fans through social media. She had released her Spanish-language single “No Me Llames,” which translates to “Don’t Call Me” in English, and was working on new music at the time of her death.
The shooting has raised concerns about violence in the area. An LAPD officer initially indicated the incident was believed to be gang-related, though prosecutors charged the suspects with attempted robbery. The attack’s premeditated nature, with suspects approaching the vehicle and demanding money before opening fire, has been characterized by prosecutors as particularly ruthless.
Community members and fans have been leaving tributes on De La Rosa’s social media accounts, mourning the loss of the young performer whose career was just beginning to gain momentum. The music community has expressed shock at the violent attack that cut short a promising artistic journey.
Anyone with information about the shooting or the whereabouts of Eduardo Lopez is urged to contact LAPD detectives as the investigation continues. Anonymous tips can be submitted to authorities.
The case proceeds through the criminal justice system as prosecutors prepare to pursue maximum penalties against those charged in connection with the attack that ended the life of a young artist and left two others seriously injured.