On January 20, 2024, 33-year-old Tyrone Tyars was fatally shot at the Machista Bar in San Pedro, California. The incident occurred around 12:15 a.m. when Tyars arrived to pick up his fiancée, who had called feeling unsafe due to an altercation inside the bar. Upon his arrival, a woman opened fire, striking Tyars, his fiancée, and a 44-year-old man. Tyars was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other two victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Following the shooting, the suspect fled the scene. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) launched an investigation and, with assistance from the FBI, arrested 18-year-old Estrella Rojas in San Pedro on March 7, 2024. Rojas was charged with one count of murder and three counts of attempted murder. The LAPD also linked her to another shooting on January 6, though they do not believe the incidents are related.
In the aftermath of Tyars' death, his family expressed profound grief and called for justice. His mother, Ira McGrady, described him as a loving father of two young children and questioned the senselessness of his murder. Community members also raised concerns about the Machista Bar, citing a history of violence and advocating for its closure to prevent further tragedies.
Subsequently, the Tyars family filed a lawsuit against the Machista Bar, alleging negligence and calling for its closure due to multiple shooting incidents and public safety concerns. Renowned civil rights attorney Ben Crump joined the family in announcing the lawsuit, emphasizing the need for accountability and improved safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
