Los Angeles County sheriff’s detectives sought the public’s assistance Thursday in identifying the suspect or suspects responsible for the 2023 shooting death of a 25-year-old man in Compton.
Deputies from the Compton Station responded at 4:15 a.m. Dec. 2, 2023, to the 1300 block of South California Avenue regarding shots fired, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Sheriff’s officials said responding deputies discovered Rhavan Jermaine Mitchell with multiple gunshot wounds upon their arrival, and that despite life-saving measures, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Four of Mitchell’s relatives, including a child, were also inside the residence at the time of the shooting, but were unharmed.
Surveillance footage obtained from the scene shows a possible suspect and vehicle, officials said.
Investigators said the suspect — a man wearing a black hooded sweater and blue jeans — waited for Mitchell to arrive home.
The shooting is presumed to have been a targeted attack, but sheriff’s officials stressed that Mitchell was not believed to be gang-affiliated.
The suspect fled the scene in an older-model silver sedan, possibly a Honda or Nissan.
Sheriff’s investigators held a news conference on Thursday with members of the victim’s family to ask anyone with information to come forward.
Family and friends described Mitchell as a young, kindhearted man with a bright future whose life was tragically cut short in his home.
“Rhavan was full of life; he had dreams like everyone else. His laugh filled the room,” Mitchell’s uncle, Harold Mitchell, said. “He had a way to make people feel loved.”
Anyone with information about the case was urged to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.