A MacArthur Park street vendor who helped save a shooting victim’s life and a woman who survived a brutal stabbing by her former boyfriend were honored Friday by Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman for their courage in helping bring violent offenders to justice.
Johanna Martinez, 30, and Allie Shehorn, 37, both of Los Angeles, received Courage Awards during a ceremony hosted by the Rotary Club of Los Angeles in downtown Los Angeles.
Both women testified in criminal cases that resulted in convictions and lengthy prison sentences, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
“Today’s Courage Awards recipients fearlessly pursued justice and testified in court under extreme pressure,” Hochman said. “Ms. Martinez selflessly gave life-saving aid to an innocent gunshot victim, then made sure the offender was held accountable in court. After surviving unimaginable domestic violence and bringing her abuser to justice, Ms. Shehorn has become a dedicated advocate for domestic violence survivors. I am honored to recognize these remarkable individuals with Courage Awards.”
Martinez was working as a food vendor in MacArthur Park on June 23, 2024, when a gunman opened fire a few feet away, prosecutors said.
She rushed to help an innocent bystander who had been shot and was suffering severe blood loss, performing CPR until emergency personnel arrived. Prosecutors credited her actions with saving the victim’s life.
Martinez later testified at a preliminary hearing and trial, helping prosecutors secure a conviction against Fredrick Daniels in connection with three shootings during the summer of 2024 that left at least seven people injured.
Daniels was sentenced Aug. 21 to more than 125 years to life in prison.
Shehorn, a special effects makeup artist, survived a May 23, 2024, attack in which her former boyfriend, actor Nick Pasqual, entered her residence while she slept and stabbed her more than 20 times, according to prosecutors.
She suffered permanent injuries and nearly died during emergency treatment, prosecutors said.
Despite her injuries, Shehorn identified Pasqual to law enforcement, leading to his arrest, prosecutors said.
She later testified against him at trial, helping secure convictions for attempted murder, rape, burglary and multiple domestic violence offenses.
Pasqual was sentenced to 32 years to life in state prison.
Prosecutors said Shehorn has since become an advocate for domestic violence survivors.
The Courage Awards, formerly known as the Courageous Citizen Awards, were established in 1986 to recognize individuals who assist victims, help prevent crimes, cooperate with law enforcement or testify in criminal proceedings despite personal risks.