A teenage girl was fatally shot at a warehouse party in Signal Hill on December 28, 2024. Several others were wounded during the shooting, but no further casualties were reported. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reported the shooting occurred just after 10 p.m. on the Saturday following Christmas. Signal Hill police officers were the first on the scene after receiving a 911 call. When they reported to the house party, they found seven teenagers critically injured. Among them was Amari Johnson, and she unfortunately lost her life. The victims and their families deserve privacy from the public and time to grieve and process the tragic events that took place.
Signal Hill Shooting
On December 28, 2024, at approximately 10:15 p.m., police responded to a 911 call in the 1000 block of E. Burnett Street in Signal Hill, California. A neighbor’s home surveillance showed ring footage of a young woman frantically ringing their doorbell with blood on her chest. It appears she was looking for help after the shooting took place. Marina Molina, the homeowner, was inside but too frightened to open the door. Unfortunately, considering what happens daily in America, you can never be too careful. Molina and her son panicked. They tried calling 911 to report shots fired but could not get a hold of anyone.
The gunmen are still at large, and their identity remains a mystery to the public. An investigation is currently underway to search for the person or people responsible for the Signal Hill shooting. Sheriff’s Lt. Steven De Jong reported the suspects are about five to seven young males. Three of them brought handguns with them to the party and fired into the crowd. The motive behind the shooting is still unknown, but regardless, it was a senseless and despicable act. There is no sensible reason for anyone to fire a gun at an innocent person, let alone a group of innocent people.
Deputies of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department have been brought in to assist the investigation. They reported the seven victims of this unforsaken tragedy were between the ages of 17 and 19 years old. Three of the seven were taken to the local hospital for the injuries they sustained from the gunshots, at which one of them, Johnson, died. Unfortunately, they did not obtain more witnesses at the time of the incident since the partygoers scattered as soon as they heard shots fired.
A Mourning Family
Amari Johnson’s family has spoken to the media and addressed the person who shot her. Marion Warren, Johnson’s grandmother, said,“ See, you can run, but you can’t hide. Trust me.” She noted that Johnson was about to turn 18 years old in January, and she and her twin brother were over the moon to celebrate together. Johnson had a bright future. She had several college acceptance letters and was about to embark on a new chapter in her life. It is horrible how one person can take that all away from another. A memorial was placed outside of the warehouse to honor Johnson’s memory.
Johnson’s loved ones are mourning the loss of their beautiful daughter, granddaughter, sister, and friend. They are rightfully furious about the outcome of this incident, and all they want are answers. Her grandmother says Johnson was not a troubled kid. She was invited to the party; therefore, she went. That does not mean she should not have been punished for having innocent fun. This is an unimaginable tragedy. Everyone should remember to care for themselves and be there for the community, especially those directly affected.
Final Thoughts
Sheriff’s Lt. Steven De Jong said, “We are seeking the public’s help in identifying the suspects.” He continued, “If anybody was at this party, please reach out to the Sheriff’s Homicide [Bureau]. We’d like to speak to them.” The quickest way to achieve justice is for witnesses at the party or bystanders on the nearby streets to report anything and everything that might have had to do with the shooting. Every piece of information is worth something in situations like this since it can bring the authorities one step closer.”
Anyone with information about this shooting was asked to call the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500 or Crime Stoppers by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477).
