Lanai Ariyana Dees: Inglewood Family Devastated After Young Woman Found Shot to Death in South Los Angeles

A tragic shooting has left a family heartbroken after their loved one, 21-year-old Lanai Ariyana Dees, was found dead in her wrecked car in a South Los Angeles alleyway early Sunday morning. 

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reported that deputies responded to a shooting call around 12:46 a.m. on the 2000 block of Century Boulevard near Wilton Place. 

Upon arrival, officers discovered a woman with fatal gunshot wounds inside a white Mercedes sedan. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

While authorities have not officially released the victim’s identity, family members confirmed to KTLA 5’s Omar Lewis that the deceased is Lanai Ariyana Dees, an Inglewood resident. 

Her family is grappling with the sudden loss, describing the shooting as a senseless act of violence.

“She was an amazing person, very sweet and very kind,” said Jordan Dees, Lanai’s brother, who is struggling to understand the circumstances of his sister’s tragic death.

my baby. my sweet baby. my bestfriend. my sister. i love you so much. i don’t know how i will ever fly again because you were the wind beneath my wings. 💔🕊️. i promise you i will rip the city apart until i find out who did this to my baby.

Rest well my baby. 🥺. Lanai A. Dees pic.twitter.com/YkJN8KHW1Z

— Harry Thotter, Esq. (@MikeSupremacy) November 18, 2024

Authorities are still piecing together the events that led to the shooting. 

According to Jordan, Lanai’s car appeared to have crashed before she was shot, though the exact sequence of events remains unclear. 

He believes his sister may have been in the area to visit a friend, but details are scarce.

“We don’t know what happened,” Jordan said through tears. “The car was wrecked, and she was shot. It’s heartbreaking.”

Video shows deputies examining a white Mercedes sedan cordoned off in the alleyway.. (KTLA)

Authorities responding to a fatal shooting in a South L.A. alley on Nov. 17, 2024. (KTLA)

As of 10 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, no suspect has been identified, and the motive for the shooting is still unknown. 

Authorities have not released any suspect description.

In a heartfelt plea, Jordan urged anyone with information to come forward. 

“She didn’t deserve what happened to her at all,” he said. “If you know anything, please don’t stay silent. We need to find the person who did this.”

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department encourages anyone with information about the case to contact their Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. 

For those who wish to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted via Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or through their website.

This heartbreaking incident highlights the ongoing issue of violence in South Los Angeles. 

The community and Lanai’s family are desperate for answers and justice. 

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.