Charges Filed in Dela Rosa’s Murder

Three men are facing murder charges related to the shooting death of 22-year-old singer Dela Rosa, described by prosecutors as an “ambush-style attack.”

Dela Rosa, known professionally by that name, was shot just before 1:25 a.m. last Saturday while sitting in a parked car with two others in the Northridge area of Los Angeles, according to Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hockman. The announcement was made on Wednesday.

The individuals charged in this tragic incident include 27-year-olds Francisco Otilio Gaytan and Benny Ricongomez, along with 21-year-old Eduardo Lopez. All three face one felony count of murder and two felony counts of attempted second-degree robbery.

According to Hochman, the men allegedly approached the parked vehicle, demanded money, and then opened fire, injuring everyone inside.

Dela Rosa died from her injuries, while the other two occupants suffered serious wounds.

“This was a ruthless and targeted attack that claimed the life of a young woman and artist and left her family and the two survivors with deep lifelong trauma,” Hochman stated.

The District Attorney emphasized that his office will aggressively pursue justice to hold those responsible accountable for this senseless violence.

Gaytan was apprehended on Saturday, and Ricongomez was arrested the following day. An arrest warrant has also been issued for Lopez. Gaytan’s bail has been set at $2.18 million, with a scheduled arraignment on January 7, 2026. Ricongomez, held on $2.28 million bail, was arraigned on Wednesday.

Both men had their arraignment in Division S of the San Fernando Valley Court, while Lopez’s bail stands at $2.205 million.

If found guilty, all three could be sentenced to life in prison without the chance of parole.

In her last Instagram post, shared on October 30, Dela Rosa teased her 45,500 followers about an upcoming song, saying in Spanish, “Busy cooking on the stool. Don’t call me. It’s about time,” and added in English, “GAME TIME BABY.”