Amber Parsons, 24, was shot and killed while driving through a residential neighborhood in Orange, California, on May 6, 2025. Around 12:30 a.m., Parsons was behind the wheel of her Honda SUV with a female passenger in her 20s. As the vehicle turned around in a cul-de-sac near Highland Street and Del Mar Avenue, a gunman on foot appeared behind the vehicle and opened fire. Parsons was struck and pronounced dead at the scene; her passenger was not injured.

Authorities later identified 21-year-old Allan Plata of Orange as a suspect. On May 9, police, assisted by a SWAT team and La Habra officers, surrounded a home in La Habra and took Plata into custody without incident. He was booked at the Orange County Jail on charges of murder, attempted murder, and a probation violation. Investigators have not determined a motive and are still working to find out whether the attack was random or targeted. The shooting occurred at an intersection where police say there has been prior gang-related violence.

Anyone with information about Parsons’ death is asked to contact the Orange Police Department or submit anonymous tips to OC Crime Stoppers.