Yaxza Herrera, 22 [Updated]

Yaxza Herrera, a 22-year-old Latina, was shot and killed Friday, May 4, in the 25500 block of Marigold Avenue in Harbor City, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Ed Winter, spokesman for the coroner's office, said Herrera was found on the street around midnight with a gunshot wound.

Authorities were called and the woman was taken to a hospital in Torrance, where she was pronounced dead at 3:28 a.m.

Winter said a cause of death has been deferred pending additional laboratory deaths. Results will not be available for at least six to eight weeks.

A close friend of Herrera’s contacted the Homicide Report and said the decedent was a cheer coach for Tri-City Falcons. She grew up cheering for Tri-City Youth Football and Cheer and Narbonne High School in Harbor City.

The friend said Herrera "touched so many lives and was loved by her community."

[Update Jan. 24, 2013: Coroner's officials said Herrera shot herself in the chest and that her death has been ruled a suicide.]

Anyone with information about the death of Yaxza Herrera is asked to contact Los Angeles Police Department Harbor Det. Paglialonga at (310) 726-7900. Tipsters who'd like to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (800) 222-8477.

-- Los Angeles Times