Eric Washington was killed in a shooting investigators say was separate from another attack moments later at the same apartment complex.
COMPTON, Calif. — Los Angeles County homicide detectives are asking witnesses to come forward as they search for whoever killed community advocate Eric Washington during a crowded Fourth of July gathering in Compton.
Washington, 37, was shot at an apartment complex in the 700 block of West Laurel Street shortly before another burst of gunfire killed 19-year-old college student Meah Bordenave-Jenkins and wounded two teenage girls. Sheriff Robert Luna said investigators believe the shootings were separate, unrelated acts of violence, despite occurring moments apart at the same large gathering.
Deputies were sent to the complex at about 11:20 p.m. July 4. Washington was found inside the property with a gunshot wound. Another man was also shot during the same incident but survived, officials said. Authorities have not identified that wounded man or released details about his condition.
No arrest has been made in Washington’s killing. Investigators have not publicly identified a motive, released a description of a suspected shooter or said whether they believe more than one person was involved. Luna said hundreds of people were at the gathering and urged anyone who saw or heard something to contact detectives.
Washington worked as a community engagement manager for the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles. The agency said he began working there as an intern in 2019, returned as a community relations specialist in 2022 and later advanced to his management role. His work included connecting public housing residents with services and organizing programs for young people.
Washington also served as a field deputy for California Assemblymember Mike Gipson and worked with community groups including the Watts Gang Task Force and Watts Rising Collaborative. Gipson said Washington had been trying to calm a conflict at the gathering before he was killed. Investigators have not publicly confirmed the full sequence of events leading to the shooting.
Washington’s family described him as a public servant whose work reached neighborhoods across Los Angeles County. His mother said Watts and Compton would feel his loss because of the time and energy he gave to residents. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also remembered him for helping families gain access to resources and supporting programs for young people.
The Housing Authority said its nonprofit affiliate plans to establish an annual award bearing Washington’s name. The Eric Washington Community Impact Award is expected to recognize a young person whose leadership and service reflect the values the agency said Washington demonstrated in his work.
Authorities announced an arrest in the separate shooting that killed Bordenave-Jenkins, but Luna stressed that the development did not resolve Washington’s case. Antoine Jones, 54, has been charged with murder, two counts of attempted murder and possession of a firearm by a felon in connection with the other attack. He has not been accused in Washington’s death.
Detectives continue to seek information from people who attended the gathering or may have recordings from the area. The Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau can be reached at 323-890-5500. No deadline has been announced for the investigation, and no additional suspect information had been released as of Friday.
Author note: Last updated July 17, 2026.