Woman, Teen Critically Injured In Hawthorne Attack, Person Of Interest Arrested

Authorities corrected an earlier report that the woman had died and said there is no ongoing threat to the community.

By Scott Snowden, Patch Staff

Oct 30, 2026 1:49 PM PDT

A Hawthorne Police Department patrol vehicle. Authorities are investigating an apparent attack Thursday that left a woman and child critically injured. (Hawthorne Police Department/Facebook)

HAWTHORNE, CA — A woman and a child remained hospitalized in critical condition Friday after an apparent attack inside a Hawthorne home, while a person of interest was arrested at the scene on unrelated allegations, authorities said.

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department homicide detectives responded around 3:20 p.m. Thursday to the 4000 block of 139th Street, near Jim Thorpe Park and Prairie Avenue, to assist Hawthorne police with their investigation. The woman and child were found critically injured and transported to a hospital, according to the Sheriff's Department.

Authorities initially reported that the woman had died after being taken to the hospital. However, the department subsequently corrected that account, confirming that she was alive and receiving treatment in critical condition. The child also remained in critical condition as of Friday's update.

Investigators confirmed that a person of interest had been arrested at the scene for alleged offenses unrelated to the incident. Authorities have not publicly identified the individual or confirmed that the person was responsible for the victims' injuries.

The circumstances surrounding the apparent attack remain under investigation. Sheriff's officials said investigators do not believe there is an ongoing threat to the community.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the Sheriff's Department's Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.

City News Service contributed to this report.