Los Angeles

USC Student, Son of Oakland Councilwoman, Shot and Killed in Robbery Attempt

A student at the University of Southern California, who has been identified as the son of an Oakland city councilwoman by his mother, was shot and killed Sunday morning in South Los Angeles, authorities said.

Victor McElhaney, a student of Thorntons School's Jazz Studies program was the victim of a failed robbery attempt in an off-campus area of Los Angeles, USC said in a statement.

The shooting was reported at 12:30 a.m. on Sunday in a parking lot located at Adams Boulevard and Maple Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. The victim of the shooting was taken to the hospital, where he died, the LAPD said.

Police said the victim was robbed before being shot.

"It is with the utmost sadness that I share with you the tragic news that my son, Victor McElhaney, was slain last night in a senseless act of violence," Lynette McElhaney said in a statement.

The Los Angeles Police Department continued their search of suspects in their 20s on Monday. Police checked surveillance video from local businesses near the crime scene to see if the suspect were caught on tape.  

The mounring mother added, "I miss my baby. Please keep me, my family, and all of my son's friends in your thoughts and prayers."

Major League Basebal's Oakland Athletics tweeted Sunday, "Our deepest condolences to Oakland Councilmember Lynette Gibson McElhaney on the tragic passing of her son, Victor."

USC professor Miki Turner interviewed McElhaney last year for her thesis. Turner said McElhaney felt USC was a safe space compared to hometown Oakland.

The university is planning a memorial on campus next Tuesday at 6 p.m. in honor of McElhaney.

Anyone with information on the homicide was asked to call LAPD's Southwest Division at (213) 485-2582. Tipsters can also call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.

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