Murder of Karen Toshima

Karen Toshima
Born1960 or 1961
Died (aged 27)
Cause of deathGunshot wound
OccupationGraphic artist
Durrell Collins
Born
Durrell DeWitt Collins
Other namesBaby Rock
OrganizationRollin' 60s Neighborhood Crips
Criminal statusOn parole
ConvictionsMurder, attempted murder
Criminal penalty27 years to life

On January 30, 1988, 27-year-old graphic artist Karen Toshima was shot and later died in a hospital after she got caught in the crossfire between two rival gang members in Los Angeles, California. Toshima's death signified the spread of gang violence outside the ghetto, as the shooting occurred in Westwood Village, a popular entertainment district.