Hawthorne, CA — A devastating act of violence has left a community in mourning after a shooting claimed the life of Amber Laflora, a 37-year-old mother, in the early hours of Friday, July 18, 2025. The incident occurred outside the VIP Sports Bar, located in the 11000 block of South Inglewood Avenue, sending shockwaves through Hawthorne and beyond.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, deputies and Hawthorne Police Department officers responded to multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire at approximately 1:50 a.m. Upon arriving at the scene, authorities found Laflora in the parking lot of the shopping center that houses the sports bar, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite efforts by paramedics, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner officially identified Laflora as the victim. Authorities believe the shooting stemmed from a dispute that began inside the bar during a karaoke night and escalated into the parking lot. Unconfirmed reports from stringer service Traffic News L.A. (TNLA) cite a witness who claimed Laflora was forcibly dragged from a vehicle and shot at least three times in the abdomen. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has not officially confirmed these details, and the investigation remains ongoing.
As of Saturday, July 19, 2025, no arrests have been made, and the suspect, described as an adult woman, remains at large. Investigators report that the suspect fled the scene in a silver luxury vehicle. Surveillance footage indicates that 40 to 50 people were present in the parking lot at the time of the shooting, prompting authorities to urge witnesses to come forward with any information.
“We know there are witnesses,” said Lt. Steve De Jong of the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau. “We’re asking for the public’s help because any detail, no matter how small, could be critical in identifying the person responsible for this tragedy.”
**A Community in Grief**
Amber Laflora was a beloved figure in her community, remembered by friends and family as a devoted mother, possibly of six children, with a vibrant spirit. Social media tributes paint a picture of a woman who was preparing to celebrate her upcoming birthday in August and had been enjoying a night of karaoke at the VIP Sports Bar just hours before her life was cut short. Friends described her as funny, loyal, and deeply dedicated to her children.
“She was the kind of person who lit up a room,” one friend wrote online. “Her kids were her world. This is a loss that hurts so many.”
The scene in the aftermath of the shooting was one of chaos and sorrow. TNLA footage captured a significant law enforcement presence as deputies and officers secured the area, with crime scene tape encircling the parking lot. Investigators worked diligently to collect evidence, while some bar-goers and bystanders remained at the scene, visibly shaken, to provide statements. A white canopy, often used to mark a fatal incident, was erected as authorities processed the scene.
**A Plea for Information**
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is actively seeking assistance from the public to advance the investigation. Anyone with information, including photos, videos, or observations from the scene, is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling (800) 222-TIPS (8477) or visiting http://lacrimestoppers.org.
**A Call for Justice and Healing**
Laflora’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief and calls for justice from the Hawthorne community. Friends and loved ones are grappling with the senseless loss, while many are advocating for increased safety measures in public spaces to prevent future tragedies.
“This shouldn’t have happened,” another friend posted on social media. “Amber deserved better. We need answers, and we need justice for her and her family.”
As the investigation continues, Amber Laflora’s memory endures as a daughter, friend, and devoted mother whose life was taken too soon. Her death serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of violence and the urgent need for community unity and accountability. The Hawthorne community holds onto hope that those responsible will be brought to justice, ensuring Laflora’s legacy is honored through action and remembrance.