The LA County Sheriff ‘s Office is asking for leads from the Samoan community in Carson, California that would help them locate the person or persons responsible for the shooting death of a Samoan woman a week ago.
Homicide Bureau Lieutenant Jose Mendoza said they have not located a suspect or suspects for the fatal shooting of Mrs Tauvaaga Lauvai, 53 years old. (An earlier story identified the victim as Tauvaga Asuega)
She was shot while attending a family celebration the night before Fathers Day.
Lt. Mendoza said that Mrs Lauvai was sitting on the front porch of a residence on Island Avenue when a Compaq Sedan drove up the street and there was gunfire from the vehicle.
One bullet struck the victim in the torso, she was rushed to a nearby hospital where she died that night.
The shooting took place at around 8:55 pm.
Mrs Lauvai had come from Arizona to be with family for Fathers Day, said Mendoza.
Police have yet to establish a motive.
Asked about reports linking the death to gang activity Lt. Mendoza said while there’s known gang activity in the area. at this point the investigation has not drawn a connection between the shooting and gangs.
Mendoza said they are trying their best to find the person or persons responsible for Mrs Lauvai’s murder.
He added its quite unfortunate that a family celebration ended in a tragedy.
Lt Mendoza asked that we put out a notice to the Samoan community in Carson to please come forward if they have any information that may help police solve this crime.
He said anyone with information is urged to contact the LA County Sheriiff’s Office, Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500 and ask for Sgt. Terry or Detective Matlock.
