Carlos Segovia, U.S. Marine shot in the head while on leave in L.A., dies at hospital
LOS ANGELES — A 19-year-old U.S. Marine shot while on weekend leave in Los Angeles has died.
The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office confirmed the death of Carlos Segovia early Tuesday morning. He had been on life support throughout the weekend.
Segovia was found Friday night slumped over in the driver’s seat of his car in South Los Angeles on Friday night, officials said.
A vehicle had pulled up beside Segovia’s car, and at least one person opened fire, striking him once in the head, Los Angeles police Officer Norma Eisenman said.
A family friend, Claudia Perez, said that the Marine was visiting family and friends while on leave from Camp Pendleton near San Diego.
Segovia had spent time with his girlfriend and was on his way to Perez’s home, where he usually stays while in Los Angeles, when he was struck by gunfire, she said.
“He texted my son that he was bringing pizza home. He never made it,” Perez said.
Police notified the U.S. Marine Corps, which in turn notified Segovia’s family about the shooting. Los Angeles police Capt. Peter Whittingham said Monday that Segovia was unlikely to survive and had little to no brain function.
Segovia was not in uniform when he was shot. No suspects have been identified and investigators did not have a motive.
Police said Segovia has no connections to gangs or other activity that would seem to make him a likely target of gun violence, reports CBS Los Angeles.
Born in El Salvador, Segovia came to the U.S. with his mother. Both are U.S. citizens, Perez said.
He joined the Marines about six months ago after finishing high school. He was known for returning to the area to help the homeless.
Before Segovia was taken off life support, a candlelight vigil was being planned for the corner of St. Andrews and 31st Street Tuesday night.