A Dispute Ends With a Woman Fatally Shot and Her Roommate in Custody NR10260cj

May 17, 2010

Los Angeles:  The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Southwest Criminal Gang Homicide Group detectives are asking for the public’s help in providing details involving a shooting that left a South Los Angeles woman dead.

On May 16, 2010 at around 6:30 p.m., Southwest Patrol officer received a call of a shooting in the 3000 block of South 11th Avenue where they discovered a woman in the front yard of the house on the ground with gunshot wounds to her head.

Detectives say that 55-year-old Carolyn Lovett returned to a house where she had been temporarily staying in the 3000 block of South 11th Avenue.  She left the house due to an argument that ensued earlier that day with her 82-year-old friend and roommate Lloyd Wade.  When she returned the two started arguing again in the front yard of the residence.  During the dispute Lloyd used a hand gun to shoot Lovett in the head.   When the victim fell to the ground the suspect shot her once more in the head and went back into his house while Lovett’s body lay mortally wounded outside.

Southwest Patrol officers took the suspect into custody without incident.  Los Angeles Paramedics responded and pronounced Lovett dead at the scene.

Both the victim and the suspect are described as African Americans

During the investigation detectives recovered a .45 caliber handgun that was at the residence.  

At this time the detectives say that the motivation for the crime stemmed from the argument.  

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Southwest Criminal Gang Homicide Group detectives Sean Hansen and Elliot Kane at 213-485-1383.  During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7.  Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call     Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477).  Tipsters may also contact Crimestoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.