David Lainer Hollis, a 28-year-old man from Gardena, California, tragically lost his life on May 2, 2017, in a drive-by shooting. The incident occurred around 7:20 p.m. in the 1200 block of 141st Place. According to reports, Gardena police responded to a call about shots fired near an apartment complex. Upon arrival, officers found three men suffering from gunshot wounds.
Witnesses reported seeing a Pontiac sedan driving west on 141st Place, where a group of people was standing on the steps of a condominium complex. The driver of the vehicle began shooting towards the group before fleeing west towards Normandie Avenue. Hollis and two other men were struck by the gunfire and were taken to a hospital, where Hollis later succumbed to his injuries. The other two men were expected to recover.
The investigation into Hollis's death led to the arrest of Orlando Derrell Sanders, a 34-year-old man from Los Angeles. Sanders was identified as the shooter who fired into the crowd in front of the condominium complex. He was reportedly cruising the area looking for a member of a rival gang when he spotted the group and opened fire. Sanders was arrested later that month and faced multiple charges, including murder, three counts of attempted murder, and felon in possession of a firearm. In February 2019, Sanders was sentenced to 90 years to life in state prison after being convicted on five of six felony counts. An additional attempted murder charge was dropped.
Regine Lyles, who was in the car with Sanders at the time of the shooting, was also arrested and charged. She pleaded no contest to accessory after the fact in March 2019. The case highlighted the ongoing issue of gang violence in the area and the devastating impact it has on the community. Hollis's death was a stark reminder of the senseless violence that continues to plague neighborhoods and the importance of ongoing efforts to address and prevent such tragedies.
