Wave Wire Services
LOS ANGELES — The county Board of Supervisors agreed Sept. 15 to offer a $10,000 reward for information leading to the person who fatally shot a community violence intervention advocate during a Fourth of July party at a Compton apartment complex.
Eric Washington, 37, was shot around 11:20 p.m. July 4 while trying to break up an altercation during the party 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.
A separate shooting at the location on the same night killed a 19-year-old woman and injured two other people, but a suspect has already been charged in that case.
Washington most recently served as a field deputy for Assemblyman Mike Gipson, D-Gardena, but also worked with the Watts Gang Task Force and the Watts Rising Collaborative.
Gipson said in a statement after the shooting that 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.”
Supervisor Holly Mitchell asked the board to approve the reward offer for information that leads to the killer.
“Mr. Washington was a devoted community leader, mentor, and public servant whose life was dedicated to creating opportunities and improving the lives of others,” Mitchell wrote in her motion seeking the reward. “Through his genuine commitment to service, Mr. Washington connected residents to vital resources, inspired young people, and helped build stronger communities across Watts, Compton, and beyond. His legacy will continue through the people and communities he inspired.”
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,” Gipson said. “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.”
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 after the shooting.
“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,” President and CEO Lourdes Castro Ramírez 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 is asked 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.
