Most people don’t know who she is, but she’s important. Her name was Latasha Harlins.
In 1991, at just 15 years old, Latasha went to a local Korean-owned convenience store in Los Angeles to buy a bottle of orange juice — and never made it out alive.
The store owner’s wife, Soon Ja Du, mistook her for trying to steal. A brief struggle followed, during which Latasha pushed Du away after being grabbed. Du then reached for a gun. As Latasha picked up the orange juice, placed it on the counter, and turned to leave, Du shot her in the back of the head from just three feet away. Latasha died instantly.
Despite two eyewitnesses and clear security footage disproving Du’s self-defense claim, the outcome was devastating. The jury convicted Du and recommended the maximum sentence of 16 years. However, Judge Joyce Karlin sentenced her to only five years of probation, 400 hours of community service, and a $500 fine, calling Du’s actions “justified.”
The killing of Latasha Harlins became one of the major catalysts for the 1992 Los Angeles Riots. While the media often focused on Rodney King, Latasha’s murder was the silent spark that fueled the outrage.
Tupac Shakur honored her memory in several songs, most notably dedicating his powerful anthem “Keep Ya Head Up” to Latasha.
Today, we remember Latasha Harlins — a young girl whose life was unjustly taken, yet whose story continues to echo through generations.
Latasha, you’re a pillar, baby girl. Whether they realize it or not, today, someone heard your story.
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