A Rising Star Silenced in an Instant

At 1:25 a.m. on a cold November morning in Northridge, Los Angeles, Maria De La Rosa—known to the world as DELAROSA—sat in a parked car with two friends. She was only 22, a rising singer whose music had begun to captivate thousands, sharing the final sparks of her dream on Instagram just weeks earlier. But in the span of seconds, that dream would be brutally shattered. Three men approached the car. Words were exchanged. Then, gunfire erupted. DELAROSA was hit, her young life extinguished in what prosecutors would later describe as an “ambush-style attack.”

Her story had only just begun. Her music, her energy, her life—all ended in a moment that has left family, friends, and fans searching for answers. What was meant to be a night of ordinary gatherings became a chilling testament to how violence can strike without warning, leaving sorrow and shock in its wake.

 Maria De La Rosa: Life Before the Tragedy

Born in 2003, Maria De La Rosa grew up immersed in music. By 22, she had carved a name for herself as DELAROSA, captivating fans with her voice and charisma. Her Instagram account, with over 40,000 followers, reflected her rising career and her personality—passionate, creative, and determined. Her final post on October 30 hinted at new music and big ambitions: “Busy cookin in the Stu. Don’t call me. It’s about that time.”

Her last single, No Me Llames, released in August, showcased her talent and potential. Friends remember her as energetic and committed, someone who would spend hours perfecting her craft in the studio while staying deeply connected to family and fans alike.

 The Night of the Ambush

Saturday, November 22, 2025. The city sleeps, but the streets of Northridge remain alive with nightlife and late-night routines. DELAROSA and two friends sit quietly in a parked car. Their laughter, conversations, and shared energy are suddenly interrupted by three men: Francisco Otilio Gaytan, 27; Benny LiconGomez, 27; and Eduardo Lopez, 21.

According to prosecutors, the men approached the car demanding money. What follows is a violent blur: multiple rounds fired, bullets piercing the calm night. All three in the car are hit. DELAROSA sustains critical injuries and is rushed to a nearby hospital, but she does not survive. Her companions are left with critical wounds, struggling to survive.

 The Investigation Begins

The Los Angeles Police Department immediately cordoned off the area, launching a homicide investigation. Surveillance footage and witness reports became key early sources of information.

Gaytan was arrested later that same day, November 22.
LiconGomez was apprehended on Sunday, November 23.
Lopez remained at large, with an arrest warrant issued shortly after.

The DA’s office quickly filed charges: each of the three men faces one felony count of murder and two felony counts of attempted second-degree robbery. Bail was set in the millions for each suspect: $2,180,000 for Gaytan, $2,280,000 for LiconGomez, and $2,205,000 for Lopez, highlighting the severity of the case.

 Family and Fan Reactions

DELAROSA’s death sent shockwaves through the music community. Colombian reggaeton artist Sharik wrote simply but profoundly: “Te amaré siempre” — I will always love you. Juan Moises, lead singer of Los Gemelos de Sinaloa, posted three doves in her honor. Social media was flooded with tributes, highlighting the void left by a promising talent lost too soon.

Her family mourned privately but expressed a desire for justice. The senselessness of her death—so young, so talented, so full of life—became a rallying point for calls for accountability.

 Reconstructing the Ambush

Investigators pieced together the timeline of that night:

1:00 a.m.: DELAROSA and friends finish a late-night outing.
1:20 a.m.: They park in a quiet Northridge street.
1:25 a.m.: The three suspects approach, demanding money.
1:25–1:30 a.m.: Gunfire erupts. DELAROSA is struck multiple times.
1:35 a.m.: 911 calls flood in. Police rush to the scene.

Forensic teams cataloged bullet trajectories, impact patterns, and DNA evidence to determine exactly what happened. Interviews with witnesses helped solidify the suspects’ identities and movements that night.

 The Suspects and Motive

While charges were swiftly filed, the motive remains unclear. Prosecutors allege robbery as a primary factor, but the level of preparation and coordination suggests the act was planned and intentional. The three men’s history, connections to the area, and prior criminal records were analyzed by investigators to establish a complete profile.

Life sentences without parole await if the men are convicted, reflecting the severity of the crime and the state’s commitment to ensuring justice.

 Legacy and Impact

DELAROSA’s story is one of talent, promise, and tragedy. In a few short years, she built a community of fans who adored her voice and spirit. Her untimely death is a reminder of the fragility of life and the dark shadows that can emerge even in ordinary places.

The ambush-style attack has sparked renewed conversations about safety, public violence, and the responsibility of communities to protect young talent and civilians from senseless acts. For her family, the hope is simple yet profound: justice, accountability, and remembrance.

 What Comes Next

Gaytan and LiconGomez are scheduled for arraignment, while Lopez remains at large. Authorities continue to urge the public to provide information, emphasizing that community tips can make the difference between justice delayed and justice denied.

Every new piece of information may bring investigators closer to unraveling the full story of that fateful night, bringing closure to her grieving family and fans worldwide.

 A Life Silenced, a Music Left Unfinished

DELAROSA was more than a name or a rising star; she was a human being with dreams, family, and a voice that reached thousands. Her death in an ambush-style attack underscores the unpredictable dangers that can strike at any moment, the heartbreak of a life interrupted, and the urgent need for justice.

While Los Angeles mourns, the case continues to unfold, a tragic reminder that talent and ambition are sometimes met with cruelty—and that the pursuit of justice is never-ending.