Mom who told her daughter to hit a child at a basketball game facing charges

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A mother has been charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor and battery for yelling at her daughter to hit another child during a youth basketball game in Garden Grove last month. The rival player collapsed on the court following an unprovoked attack that was captured on a now-viral video.

Latira (Tira) Shonty Hunt, 44, of La Puente, has been charged with one misdemeanor count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and one misdemeanor count of battery. She faces a maximum sentence of one year in Orange County Jail if convicted on all counts.

“It is unconscionable that a parent would encourage her child to engage in violence during a sporting event,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “Youth sports are invaluable in teaching our children discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship. But a win at all costs mentality that is completely devoid of fair play, respect, and civility is disgusting. We as parents have the fundamental responsibility to raise our children to be good human beings who treat others with kindness and humanity. Competitive greatness is something that should be encouraged, but encouraging violence against a rival player is criminal. I will not allow a child to be intentionally subjected to physical harm under the guise of a youth sporting event under any circumstances. Cheer your children on. Encourage them to excel in every aspect of life, from the classroom to the courtroom. But if you cross the line and encourage violence, I will prosecute you. We must do better for our children.”

On November 7, 2021, Hunt was in the stands at the MAPS sports facility in the city of Garden Grove watching her teenage daughter compete in a youth basketball game.

Hunt is accused of yelling “you better hit her for that” to her daughter after she had interaction with a rival player on the court. Seconds later, the rival player fell to the court after an unprovoked attack.

Per Welfare and Institutions Code Section 828, the District Attorney’s Office is prohibited from discussing anything related to juvenile investigations.

Assistant District Attorney Suzie Price is prosecuting this case.