Tragic Death of Raejonette Morgan Ignites Debate on Police Accountability
By Darius Spearman (African Elements)
“Support African Elements through our Patreon page and hear recent news in a single playlist. Additionally, you can gain early access to ad-free video content.”
Key Takeaways |
---|
Raejonette Morgan, 22, was fatally shot in South Los Angeles on July 2, 2023 |
A video shows a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy not providing immediate aid |
The deputy waited 4.5 minutes before approaching the vehicle |
Morgan’s family demands a full investigation into the deputy’s actions |
The LASD is conducting a Critical Incident Review of the deputy’s response |
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump is involved in seeking justice for Morgan’s family |
No arrests have been made, and no suspect description has been released |

The Tragic Incident: A Young Life Lost
On July 2, 2023, a horrific event unfolded in South Los Angeles. Raejonette Morgan, a vibrant 22-year-old woman, was found fatally shot in a bullet-riddled Mercedes-Benz. The shooting took place on Vermont Avenue near the 105 Freeway overpass, a bustling area that quickly turned into a crime scene (ABC7).
When deputies arrived, they found Morgan in the driver’s seat. She had suffered multiple gunshot wounds. The young woman was rushed to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, but sadly, she lost her fight for life two days later on July 4.
The circumstances surrounding Morgan’s death are heart-wrenching:
- She was allegedly shot by gang members
- It’s believed to be a case of mistaken identity
- No arrests have been made
- No suspect description has been released
Controversy Erupts: Deputy’s Response Under Scrutiny
What happened next has sparked outrage and calls for justice. A bystander recorded a video that has since gone viral. It shows a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy wearing blue plastic gloves, examining Morgan but not providing immediate aid (CBS Los Angeles).
The deputy’s actions, or lack thereof, have raised serious questions:
- Why did the deputy remain in his patrol car?
- Why wasn’t immediate aid provided to Morgan?
- How does this align with departmental procedures?
The video shows the deputy not approaching the vehicle until additional deputies arrived, a full four and a half minutes later. This delay has become the center of a heated debate about police response and accountability.
Family’s Anguish and Demand for Answers
Anginette Morgan, Raejonette’s mother, is at the forefront of the fight for answers. She has demanded an apology from the sheriff’s department and questioned why her daughter was left unaided (CBS Los Angeles).
The family’s pain is palpable. They’re not just mourning the loss of a loved one but also grappling with the circumstances surrounding her death. Their questions are straightforward yet powerful:
- Why wasn’t immediate help provided?
- What are the protocols for attending to live shooting victims?
- How will the department ensure this doesn’t happen again?
Legal Action and Community Response
The family isn’t fighting alone. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump has stepped in, seeking justice for Morgan’s family. Crump, known for his work on high-profile cases involving police misconduct, has requested a meeting with the sheriff to discuss protocols for attending to live shooting victims (CBS Los Angeles).
Community activists have also rallied behind the family. They’re demanding a full investigation into the deputy’s inaction. This case has become a rallying point for those seeking police reform and accountability.
LASD’s Response and Internal Review
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) has initiated a Critical Incident Review. This review aims to evaluate the deputy’s actions and ensure compliance with departmental guidelines (CBS Los Angeles).
The department’s response includes:
- Reviewing the deputy’s adherence to training and procedures
- Evaluating the timeline of events
- Assessing the overall response to the incident
Meeting with Sheriff Robert Luna
In a significant development, the family of Raejonette Morgan met with LA County Sheriff Robert Luna. This meeting was part of the family’s ongoing efforts to seek justice for Morgan’s death (Fox LA).
The meeting was described as productive. Sheriff Luna provided updates on the ongoing investigation. However, the family continues to press for answers and accountability.
Broader Implications: Police Response and Community Trust
This tragic incident has reignited discussions about police response in emergency situations, especially in communities of color. It raises critical questions about:
- Training protocols for first responders
- The importance of prompt medical assistance
- The role of bystanders in emergency situations
The case of Raejonette Morgan isn’t just about one incident. It’s about trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve. It’s about expectations of care and protection. And it’s about accountability when those expectations aren’t met.
Conclusion: A Call for Justice and Change
The death of Raejonette Morgan is a tragedy that has exposed deeper issues within law enforcement response. As the investigation continues, her family, supported by their community and legal representation, continues to fight for answers and justice.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the need for ongoing dialogue and reform in police practices. It highlights the importance of transparency, accountability and the value of every life in our communities.
As we await the results of the LASD’s internal review and any potential legal actions, one thing is clear: the conversation about police response and community trust is far from over. Raejonette Morgan’s story has become a catalyst for change, and her memory continues to fuel the fight for justice.
FAQ
Q: Who was Raejonette Morgan?
A: Raejonette Morgan was a 22-year-old woman who was fatally shot in South Los Angeles on July 2, 2023.
Q: What happened to Raejonette Morgan?
A: Morgan was found shot multiple times in a bullet-riddled Mercedes-Benz near the 105 Freeway overpass on Vermont Avenue. She was taken to Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, where she died of her wounds two days later.
Q: Why is this case controversial?
A: A video shows a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputy not providing immediate aid to Morgan and waiting 4.5 minutes before approaching the vehicle, raising questions about proper police response.
Q: What is the family demanding?
A: The family is demanding a full investigation into the deputy’s actions, an apology from the sheriff’s department and answers about why immediate aid wasn’t provided.
Q: What is the LASD doing in response to this incident?
A: The LASD is conducting a Critical Incident Review to evaluate the deputy’s actions and ensure compliance with departmental guidelines.
Q: Has anyone been arrested for Morgan’s death?
A: As of now, no arrests have been made and no suspect description has been released.
Q: Who is representing the Morgan family?
A: Civil rights attorney Ben Crump is representing the Morgan family in their quest for justice.
About the author:
Darius Spearman is a professor of Black Studies at San Diego City College, where he has been teaching since 2007. He is the author of several books, including Between The Color Lines: A History of African Americans on the California Frontier Through 1890. You can visit Darius online at africanelements.org.