Lanai Dees: Reward offered in murder of 21-year-old shot while driving in South LA

article

The family of Lanai Dees held a press conference on May 1, 2025, announcing a reward as authorities continue to investigate the death of the 21-year-old in South LA in Nov. 2024. / Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

LOS ANGELES - The family of Lanai Ariyana Dees, who was fatally shot while driving in South Los Angeles, continues to seek answers in the 21-year-old's death.

What we know:

On Nov. 17, 2024 at around 12:40 a.m., Dees was shot while driving westbound in the south alley of Century Boulevard, west of South Wilton Place in Los Angeles. 

Dees drove past the suspect vehicle and was shot by someone inside the car, police said. 

After being struck in the head by gunfire, she crashed into a concrete staircase in the alley and died from her injuries at the scene. 

The suspects fled the scene.

Surveillance video revealed the suspect's vehicle was a dark-colored midsize SUV.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to their arrest and conviction.

What we don't know:

It's unclear if Dees was targeted, police said.

The motive is unclear.

What they're saying:

"There’s a scripture in the bible that lets us know that if you know something but don’t say anything about it, that means that you are in agreement with it, and I can’t see anyone agreeing on a 21-year-old child being gun down in the streets; No body should be gun down in the streets," Odis Sneed, Lanai's grandfather said during a press conference Thursday. 

What you can do:

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.

If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by calling (800) 222-TIPS (8477).