Authorities search for gunman after mother and daughter shot to death in Compton

COMPTON, Calif. (KABC) -- A mother and daughter were both shot to death in Compton, prompting a homicide investigation.

The incident happened around 7 p.m. Tuesday near Caldwell Street and Central Avenue, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

When deputies arrived, they found one woman lying in the street and the other inside a nearby car. Both had gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators believe the women were in a car stopped at a traffic light when someone in another vehicle pulled up and opened fire.

The victims have only been identified as a 45-year-old mother and her 22-year-old daughter. Their names were not released.

Debbie Shaw says she was consoling someone who knew the victims when she walked up to see what happened.

"My brother got murdered around the corner some years ago. I can't imagine the pain they were going through at the time," Shaw said. "... Just to come out here to see a mother and a daughter - that's really heartbreaking."

Sheriff's detectives are still looking for the shooter.

"It's just very tragic for our community. We don't like to hear anything like that. We don't want that sort of thing to happen in anyone's community," Compton City Councilman Jonathan Bowers said. "We've had enough violence occur here in Compton. We're not pleased with this at all."

A description of the suspect was not available.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the department's homicide bureau at (323) 890-5500.