Latasha Harlins Who was Latasha?

Health and Healing Dealing with Trauma and Addictions · May 22, 2026 · 10m

Latahsa Harlins was a 15-year-old slain in the city of Los Angeles, California. At the time, the most viewed and talked-about incident was that of the killing of Rodney King. Latasha was killed a few weeks later.

The teen was in a store attempting to purchase a drink for $1.79. The store owner thought she was stealing the beverage as she mistakenly placed the beverage in her backpack while holding the money in her hand. Latasha wasn't heading for the door, which is an indicator of theft, but proceeded to the counter.

An altercation erupted with the accusation that the teen was a thief. Mrs…