A community violence intervention advocate who was fatally shot while trying to break up an altercation during large Fourth of July party at a Compton apartment complex and a 19-year-old woman who was also fatally wounded in the gun violence were being mourned Monday.
The shooting was reported at 11:20 p.m. Saturday in the 700 block of West Laurel Street, east of Wilmington Avenue near Compton/Woodley Airport at the New Wilmington Arms Apartments, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Two people were killed and two others — a woman and a juvenile female — were taken to hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries.
Meah Bordenave-Jenkins, 19, died at the scene, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office. Her place of residence was not released.
The man who was fatally shot was identified as Eric Washington, 37, who most recently served as a field deputy for California Assemblyman Mike Gipson. He also worked with the Watts Gang Task Force and the Watts Rising Collaborative.
Gipson, D-Carson, identified his former staffer, saying Washington was attending a community block party in Compton and was trying to “de-escalate a conflict” during the gathering when the shooting erupted.
“It is no surprise that during the moment of this terrible act, Eric was trying to save a community by preventing a situation that would have taken lives. This bravery cost him his own life.”
According to Gipson, Washington also worked for former Los Angeles City Councilman Joe Buscaino, and was part of the Watts Rising initiative with the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles.
“During his time working for me, Eric was a talented communicator, community organizer and enterprising thinker who worked as a representative serving the 64th District of the state of California,” Gipson said. “Serving families with grace and pride was fitting work for a son of South Los Angeles and Compton — a member of the Alpha Pi Alpha fraternity — and an incredible protégé and friend.
“He was extraordinarily talented, a passionate and focused man who loved the community, gave his heart and soul for the people and put them first. I am grieving — devastated by the loss and murder of this great young person. He tried everything possible to save Black and Brown boys in our community, especially against gun violence, and I am dismayed that what he fought against took his life.”
In a statement issued Monday afternoon, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass described Washington as a “devoted public servant.”
“Eric chose a life of humble service, investing in young people and families across our city,” Bass said.
“His generosity of spirit and unwavering commitment to others will leave a lasting mark on Los Angeles. This is a heartbreaking loss, and my thoughts are with Eric’s family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched,” Bass added.
The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles extended its condolences to Washington’s family, friends, colleagues and the many communities he served.
“Eric exemplified the values that define HACLA,” HACLA President and CEO Lourdes Castro RamÃrez said in a statement. “He led with kindness, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. His ability to build trust and bring people together made a profound difference in our organization and in the lives of so many residents.”
Anyone with information about the shooting was encouraged to contact the sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Callers who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.