Woman Shot Decorating Christmas Tree Dies

Los Angeles: On Friday, December 12, 2003, at about 8:30 p.m., on the 3900 block of Budlong Avenue, the victim, 39 year-old Laudelina Salazar, a mother of two children was sitting on the living room floor of her residence decorating the family Christmas tree with her children. At about the same time, a shooting occurred on the 1100 block of Leighton Avenue. Detectives believe that a stray bullet from that shooting traveled approximately 288 feet in a northwesterly direction. The bullet penetrated a metal screen security door, a wood door, and ultimately struck Mrs. Salazar in the neck.
Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded and transported Mrs. Salazar to a local hospital for medical treatment.
On December 14, 2003, Mrs. Salazar died as a result of her injuries.
The motive and the suspect(s) identity are unknown.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to call Southwest Area Homicide, at 213-847-1310. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).
This news release was prepared by Public Information Officer April Harding, Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.