A violent incident at a Korean American beauty supply store in Compton left one man dead after he was shot by a female customer during an altercation, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD).
The shooting occurred around 3:21 p.m. on October 19 at Pink Beauty Supply on the 1300 block of East Alondra Boulevard. Deputies said a 43-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators said the man followed a woman into the store, where he sexually assaulted her by grabbing her chest. When an employee demanded that he leave, the suspect shouted threats, threw merchandise, and damaged display shelves. Witnesses told deputies he brandished a weapon and threatened to kill everyone inside.
A female customer in her 50s then drew her handgun and fired a warning shot. When the man charged toward her, she fired again, striking him.
The LASD confirmed the woman surrendered her firearm and has been cooperating with investigators. Authorities are reviewing store CCTV footage to determine whether the shooting was in self-defense.
Store owner Jason Jin told The Korea Daily on October 20 that the man had been “throwing jewelry and threatening customers” before being confronted. “If it weren’t for that woman, someone could have been seriously hurt. She essentially protected our store,” he said.
Witnesses said about six to seven customers and three employees were inside at the time. Regular customer Almond Le Joice described the scene as “terrifying,” saying she visits the store several times a month and never expected such violence.
Authorities are seeking additional witnesses who may have seen the suspect in the parking lot before entering the store. Anyone with information is asked to contact the LASD Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500, or to provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 or lacrimestoppers.org.
This case follows a shooting homicide at a Korean American restaurant in La Habra on October 14.
BY YEONGCHAE SONG [song.yeongchae@koreadaily.com]
