Brandis Tovar, 21

Brandis Tovar, a 21-year-old Latino, was shot and killed Monday, March 5, in the 4000 block of East 6th Street in East Los Angeles, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records. 

Tovar lived in Lynwood with her 18-month-old son, but her fiancé had dropped her off in her old neighborhood to visit a female friend, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Lt. Derrick Alfred said. 

The two women were walking away from a neighborhood market, near the home of Tovar’s friend, when someone “from some distance away” began shooting around 11:09 p.m., Alfred said. 

“Both victims were hit, and the surviving one took off running to a nearby house, leaving her friend behind,” Alfred said. 

Deputies were called to the area regarding an “illegal shooting,” according to the department’s news release. Tovar’s friend didn’t want to answer questions about the shooting, Alfred said, and was taken to a hospital. She is expected to survive her injuries. 

Deputies found Tovar lying on the sidewalk, Alfred said. She was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:20 p.m., according to coroner’s records.

“This is definitely gang-related,” Alfred said. “She [Tovar’s friend] didn’t want to talk to police at all.”

An online fundraiser has been set up by Tovar’s family to help with funeral expenses and the future care of her son. 

Investigators don’t have a description of the shooter. Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Those wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. 

Contact the Homicide Report. Follow @latimeshomicide on Twitter.