Samantha Ann Sproson, 38

Samantha Sproson, a 38-year-old white woman, was shot and killed Saturday, Dec. 31, in the 700 block of Manhattan Avenue in Hermosa Beach, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Witnesses summoned police to Sproson's apartment about 5 a.m., reporting an argument followed by a gunshot, police said. On arrival, police detained a man outside the building and then went inside the apartment, where they found Sproson dead.

Coroner's records show she died from a gunshot wound to the head.

Detectives from the Hermosa Beach Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department are conducting an investigation. A police spokeswoman said no further details were available.

The Times has contacted investigators to obtain additional details about the case and will post an update as soon as possible.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the sheriff's homicide bureau at (323) 890-5500. Tipsters who would like to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (800) 222-8477.

-- Catherine Saillant