COMPTON, Calif. — Authorities have identified the man who died following a violent confrontation inside a beauty supply store in Compton on Sunday afternoon as 42-year-old Zaque Sykes. According to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner, Sykes was pronounced dead at the scene after being shot during a disturbance at Pink Beauty Supply, located in the 1300 block of East Alondra Boulevard.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said the incident began around 3:30 p.m., when Sykes allegedly followed a woman into the store and began acting inappropriately. Employees asked him to leave, but witnesses told investigators that Sykes became verbally aggressive, shouting at staff and customers while making threatening statements. The situation quickly escalated as he began throwing merchandise and damaging property, creating panic inside the store.
Witnesses reported that at one point, Sykes appeared to be holding an item that some believed could be a knife. Fearing for their safety, several customers tried to leave the store as tensions rose. A woman inside the store, who was legally carrying a firearm, attempted to intervene. Investigators said she fired a warning shot in an effort to stop the disturbance, but when Sykes reportedly turned toward her in a threatening manner, she fired a second shot, striking him.
Deputies arrived within minutes after receiving multiple 911 calls. When they entered the store, Sykes was found unresponsive. Paramedics with the Los Angeles County Fire Department determined that he had died from his injuries. The woman who discharged her weapon immediately surrendered and cooperated fully with investigators. She has not been taken into custody, though the District Attorney’s Office will review the case, as is standard in all fatal shooting investigations.
Detectives are now reviewing store surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to verify the sequence of events. Authorities believe other customers and bystanders may have seen critical moments leading up to the shooting. “We urge anyone who saw or heard anything to contact investigators as soon as possible,” the sheriff’s department said in a statement.
The case remains under active investigation. Officials expressed condolences to all those affected and assured the public that a thorough and transparent review is underway to determine exactly what led to the deadly confrontation. Those with information are urged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500, or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or lacrimestoppers.org.