2 Dead After Gunfire Erupts at L.A. Party Near Cal State Northridge

What began as a crowded private party near a Los Angeles college campus ended in chaos Friday night when gunfire erupted, leaving two young people dead and police scrambling to find the person responsible.
The shooting happened shortly after 11 p.m. on Oct. 2 at the Artist Lounge, a venue in a Northridge strip mall less than a mile from California State University, Northridge. Los Angeles police officers had initially responded to reports of a loud party involving roughly 100 to 200 people.

As officers were speaking with the event organizer and attempting to shut down the gathering, they suddenly heard multiple gunshots. Panic quickly spread as dozens of people rushed out of the building.

Inside, officers discovered two victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite efforts by Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics, both died at the scene, according to police. Authorities identified them as an 18-year-old Black male and a 19-year-old Hispanic female, while their names were initially withheld pending notification of their families.

Investigators also received information about a possible third victim. Police searched the area but had not located that person, and authorities said no suspect information was immediately available. No arrests had been announced as of the latest reports.

Witnesses described a terrifying scene as people poured out of the venue. Video from the area showed large numbers of partygoers being removed from the building and briefly detained or searched as investigators worked to secure the scene.

The party had reportedly been advertised on social media, and police said the motive remained unclear. The investigation has been assigned to the LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division, which is asking anyone with information to come forward.
A vigil was later held at the venue, where friends and relatives gathered to remember the two young victims. Family members identified the victims as 19-year-old Kimberly Bastor and 18-year-old Jaydin Lewis.

For the families, a night that was supposed to be filled with music and celebration ended with two lives suddenly lost. And as investigators continue searching for answers, one major question remains: Who opened fire, and what led to the deadly shooting?

Source: PEOPLE, Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Times, CBS Los Angeles