What happened to Tara Correa-McMullen and her Killer Damien Watts?
Jan 23, 2024
Tara Correa-McMullen, a young actress, tragically lost her life at the age of 16 in Inglewood, California on October 21, 2005. Outside an apartment, she was fatally shot five times in the torso by Damien Watts, a 22-year-old member of a gang. Despite her tender age, Tara had become involved with a gang member who was a decade older than her, ultimately leading her to be caught in the crossfire of gang violence that took her life. Investigation Discovery's show Death by Fame on ID about the incident.
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After beginning her career in Hollywood alongside Martin Lawrence and Amy Brenneman, the actress found herself associating with a questionable group of people. Despite this, she made a notable appearance in Steve Carr's film Rebound, which helped further her career. Eventually, she landed a recurring role in the CBS show Judge Amy.
Tragically, Tara's life took a dark turn, and her story was featured on Investigation Discovery's show Death by Fame. The episode, titled A Rising Star Shot Down, aired on January 22, 2024, at 9 pm EST. The synopsis of the episode explains that despite rising from the tough streets of LA at just 15 years old to star alongside Hollywood's biggest names, Tara's involvement with an ill-fated romance ultimately led to her untimely demise and the end of her promising career.
About her Life - Tara Correa-McMullen.
According to her parents, Tara had a wide range of interests including singing, acting, dancing, practicing martial arts, and spending time with her family. Her parents mentioned that her bond with her older sister, Abigail, was particularly strong, and they would often sing together during family gatherings.
Tara spent her early years on the East Coast before relocating to Northern California in 1996 with her mother and sister. The family eventually settled in Venice, where Tara actively participated in the Venice High School choir and showcased her talents in various local dance groups.
Tragically, Tara was fatally shot multiple times in the torso while standing outside an apartment complex on East Plymouth Street at around 5:45 p.m. on October 21st, as reported by the Inglewood police. Two other individuals were also shot but survived. The authorities have no knowledge of why she was present at that location, and there are currently no suspects identified. The detectives are uncertain as to whether the shooting was a drive-by or a walk-up crime.
Sergeant Steve Overly commented, "Although she is not believed to be connected with a gang, it is possible that she was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time."
Where Is Tara Correa’s Killer Damien Watts Now?
Image Credit: South_agency via Getty Images
According to a report by Hindustan Times, on October 21, 2005, Damien Watts fired shots at a group of people outside an apartment in Inglewood. Tragically, Tara Correa-McMullen was hit by five bullets and later succumbed to her injuries. A year later, Watts was formally accused of Correa-McMullen's murder, along with several other charges.
In January 2009, Watts was found guilty and subsequently received two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole in the following month. Currently, as confirmed by the California Department of Corrections, he is serving his sentence at Calipatria State Prison, located in California.
Watts remains incarcerated in Calipatria State Prison.
In addition, Watts was convicted of six counts of attempted murder, one count of shooting at an inhabited dwelling, and one count of possessing a firearm unlawfully. Several other charges were brought against him, including allegations of participating in a gang, using firearms, and the additional accusation of multiple murders.
