Reward Offered for Help in Finding Killer

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles County sheriff’s office announced a $10,000 award Monday for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a man who fatally shot an 18-year-old woman during a drive-by attack in Carson.

Sasha Mata, an aspiring model, sat in a parked car with friends in front of her home at 2:45 a.m. on Nov. 13 when the occupant of a passing car fired at them, police said. Mata died of wounds to the chest. Two other young women were injured.

Investigators do not know why the attack took place, but they said Mata was not a gang member.

Since the shooting, detectives said, they have made little headway.

“The leads we have investigated have turned somewhat cold,” said Det. Martin Rodriguez, who is investigating the case. “We’re hoping this reward will stimulate additional leads.”

Investigators describe the killer as a heavyset male Samoan or Latino driving a newer-model, light-colored sport utility vehicle.

The reward, which is offered by Carson, was approved by its City Council on Dec. 7.

Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff’s homicide bureau at (323) 890-5500.