Authorities have revealed the cause of death for Lucrecia Macias Barajas, a 46-year-old mother of six who was found dead in a homeless encampment in downtown Los Angeles in May.
Cause of Death Ruled Accidental Overdose
The County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner announced on July 9 that Barajas died from “the effects of fentanyl and methamphetamine.” Her death, along with that of 39-year-old Fredy Pojoy Sajqui, who was found beside her, was ruled an accident.
Bodies Discovered in Downtown Los Angeles Tent
Barajas and Pojoy Sajqui were found unresponsive inside a tent near Miramar Street and South Beaudry Avenue on May 12. Paramedics from the Los Angeles Fire Department pronounced them dead at the scene. Examinations were completed two days later, and both deaths were certified on July 9.
Family Remembers Barajas as a Veteran and Caring Mother
Barajas’ daughters told KTLA their mother was an Army veteran and rejected the notion that she was a homeless drug addict. “She was just at the wrong place at the wrong time,” said daughter Amely Becerra.
Community Concerns and Government Response
Local residents described the area as a known drug hotspot and said they had raised concerns with the city repeatedly. On the day the bodies were discovered, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a model ordinance aimed at addressing dangerous encampments and providing support for unhoused residents.
For more on this tragic story, stay tuned to Que Onda Magazine.