Two Deadly Shootings Rock Lakewood, CA: What We Know About The Thanksgiving Tragedy And Triple Shooting

The community of Lakewood, California, has been grappling with a sudden and shocking surge in violent crime, marked by two separate, deadly shooting incidents that occurred in quick succession in late November and early December 2025. These events, which include a tragic domestic dispute on Thanksgiving Day and a subsequent triple shooting, have prompted the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) to ramp up their homicide investigations and community outreach in the area. The contrast between Lakewood's generally safe reputation and the brutality of these recent events has become a major concern for local residents as the holiday season continues.

As of December 18, 2025, authorities are actively pursuing leads in both cases, with one suspect already in custody for the Thanksgiving incident. This article provides a fresh, comprehensive breakdown of the latest information, including victim and suspect details, specific locations, and the ongoing efforts by the Lakewood Sheriff's Station to maintain public safety following this period of heightened violence.

The Tragic Thanksgiving Day Fatal Shooting: Brother Against Brother

The first of the two major incidents occurred on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27, 2025, shattering the holiday peace for one family and the broader Lakewood community.

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Incident Overview and Victim/Suspect Details

The fatal shooting took place in the afternoon, around 2:37 p.m., near the intersection of Lakewood Boulevard and South Street. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) deputies responded to calls of a shooting and found one man mortally wounded.

• Victim: Armando Ruiz, 50 years old.
• Suspect: Antonio Ruiz Jr. (also identified as Anthony Ruiz), the victim's brother.
• Motive: The shooting was the culmination of a heated verbal argument between the two brothers.
• Circumstances: Investigators determined that the argument escalated while the brothers were inside a vehicle, ultimately leading to the fatal gunfire.
• Arrest and Bail: Antonio Ruiz Jr. was quickly apprehended by authorities. He is currently being held on a substantial $2 million bail as the LASD Homicide detectives continue their investigation into the domestic tragedy.

The domestic nature of the crime—a brother allegedly shooting his brother—added a layer of profound shock and sorrow to the incident, making it a highly publicized case within the region.

Details of the Recent Triple Shooting Incident

Just days after the Thanksgiving tragedy, the City of Lakewood experienced another major violent event—a triple shooting that left one person dead and two others hospitalized. This incident highlighted ongoing concerns about gun violence in the area.

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Location, Time, and Casualties

The second major shooting occurred on a Sunday night, around 8:15 p.m., in a residential area near Alburtis Avenue and 207th Street, which is located just south of Del Amo Boulevard.

• Casualties: One victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other individuals sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to a local hospital for treatment.
• Law Enforcement Response: The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department received multiple 911 calls reporting shots fired in the area, prompting a large-scale response.
• Investigation Status: As of the latest updates, the LASD is actively investigating the circumstances of this triple shooting. Details regarding a suspect or motive have not been widely released, indicating an ongoing and complex investigation by homicide detectives.

The proximity of the two major incidents has led to increased visibility of law enforcement patrols and a renewed focus on community safety measures across the city. The sheer number of victims in this single event—three people shot—marks it as one of the most serious non-domestic violence incidents in Lakewood in recent memory.

Analyzing Lakewood's Crime Profile Amid Recent Violence

The recent spate of deadly shootings in Lakewood, CA, has prompted a closer look at the city's overall safety profile and the efforts of the Lakewood Sheriff's Station to address violent crime. While the incidents are alarming, they should be viewed within the context of the city's established crime statistics and law enforcement strategies.

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The Contrast: 'Safe' Rating vs. Serious Incidents

Lakewood, CA, generally maintains a reputation as a safe community. According to recent crime data, the city boasts a high "HoodScore," categorizing it as safe for residents. However, even in safe areas, the cost and impact of crime can be substantial. Projections for the total cost of crime in Lakewood for 2025 are estimated to be in the tens of millions of dollars, translating to hundreds of dollars per resident. These projections underscore that while the frequency of crime may be low, the severity and financial burden of major incidents—like the two recent shootings—are significant.

The two recent homicides, one domestic and one involving multiple victims, fall under the category of Part I Crimes—the most serious offenses tracked by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The LASD Lakewood Station regularly publishes crime statistics, demonstrating their commitment to transparent presentation of crime data and community awareness.

Law Enforcement and Community Response

In the wake of these incidents, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has deployed significant resources, with their Homicide Bureau taking the lead on both investigations. The focus is not only on securing arrests but also on understanding the underlying factors that led to the violence.

• Increased Vigilance: The Lakewood Sheriff's Station is emphasizing community policing and increased visibility, particularly in high-traffic areas like Lakewood Boulevard and residential neighborhoods near the shooting sites.
• Topical Entities: Key entities involved in the response include the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, LASD Homicide Bureau, Lakewood Sheriff's Station, and various local emergency services.
• Public Safety Messaging: Officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity immediately, emphasizing that community cooperation is essential for solving and preventing violent crime.

The tragic events serve as a stark reminder that even communities with a low overall crime rate are not immune to isolated, high-severity acts of violence. The ongoing investigations into the deaths of Armando Ruiz and the victim of the Alburtis Avenue shooting are a top priority for the LASD as they work to restore a sense of security to the City of Lakewood.

The coming weeks will be crucial for the LASD as they seek to finalize the case against Antonio Ruiz Jr. and identify the suspects responsible for the triple shooting. The community awaits further statements and updates on these two pivotal cases that have defined the end of the year in Lakewood, CA.