Single mother killed at South LA bus stop in gang-shooting crossfire; $50K reward offered

SOUTH LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The daughter of a single mother, who was gunned down at a bus stop, made a plea to the public for help in finding the killer.

Emily Santos, 15, and her 9-year-old sister lost their mother in what police said was an apparent gang-involved shooting that was caught on surveillance video.

"My mom was an innocent person just standing in the wrong place at the wrong time," she said.

Dianey Santos, 39, was waiting at a bus stop around 9:45 p.m. on June 17 at Broadway and 83rd Street. A fight between two men happened and one of the suspects shot at the other person, police said.

Authorities said the intended victim is shown running on Broadway in surveillance video. The shooter stands on 83rd Street, then opens fire and hits Santos in the head. She was taken to a local hospital but did not survive.

Emily Santos recalled having her mother by her side at that same hospital when she gave birth to a baby boy.

Emily Santos, her son and younger sister are now living with their godparents. She said her mother was a hard worker, who emigrated from Mexico and life in the states was tough at first with no stable home.

"She worked really hard for us, and I will always thank her for that," Emily Santos said.

Authorities spoke with the man seen running in the video, but said he did not cooperate. They are now pleading with the public to help, providing a sketch of the suspect in the case and a $50,000 reward.

Anyone with information was urged to call the Los Angeles Police Department.