California 14-year-old girl arrested for murder of nonprofit CEO’s daughter, 20
A 14-year-old girl has been arrested and charged in connection with the March murder of a California woman, Kendra Reana McIntyre, who was the daughter of an activist advocating for victims of human trafficking.
The unnamed teen was identified as the suspect in the shooting death of 20-year-old McIntyre on March 21. The tragic incident occurred while McIntyre was walking in an area of South Los Angeles known for sex work and human trafficking.
According to investigators, McIntyre herself was a victim of human trafficking. She was shot while walking near the southeast corner of 70th Street and Figueroa Street at approximately 4:20 a.m. on March 21, according to a press release from the LAPD on Tuesday. McIntyre was taken to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead.
McIntyre's mother, Debra Rush, is the co-founder and CEO of Breaking the Chains, a nonprofit in Fresno that operates a safe house aimed at helping survivors of human trafficking "break the chains" and rebuild their lives. The organization collaborates with local, state, and federal law enforcement to provide support and resources for those impacted by human trafficking.
Rush mentioned that her daughter had experienced "childhood trauma" and struggled with "severe mental health issues." She lamented that her daughter never had the opportunity to overcome these challenges, expressing in a statement obtained by ABC 30, "My daughter never got the chance to unlock her vault. Even though we stood outside, banging on the door, crying and pleading for her to open it."
The Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office determined that McIntyre suffered gunshot wounds to the head and neck.
Following an investigation by the South Bureau Homicide Division, the teenager was identified as a suspect two months after the shooting. The LAPD did not disclose how the teen was identified as the primary suspect. She was arrested without incident on Monday, and on Tuesday, the LA District Attorney’s office filed a murder charge against the juvenile.
