The Los Angeles County District Attorney on Thursday charged four men in connection with the murder of a veteran, who was shot and killed while mowing his lawn at his home in Long Beach.
“Our hearts are with Mr. Morales-Moreno’s family as they deal with this unimaginable tragedy,” District Attorney George Gascón said during a press conference this afternoon.
The victim, Mario Morales Moreno, a 51-year-old war veteran, died on April 4 when he was hit by a stray bullet in front of his home.
“Mr. Morales-Moreno, an Army veteran and a father of two, had his life senselessly taken too soon, and four other victims are left coping with the aftermath of this violence,” said Gascón. “Our office will work to hold these defendants responsible for their alleged actions and bring justice to all who have been affected by these crimes.”
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The suspected gunmen were each charged with one count of murder, four counts of attempted murder, and one count of conspiracy to commit a crime.
Mayor Rex Richardson had announced the arrests on a social media post Wednesday, suggesting Mario Morales-Moreno was a victim of “gang violence.”
“As a community, we must continue to work together to place a focus on violence prevention, community safety and opportunities for our youth,” Richardson said.
The family of Morales-Moreno had told Telemundo 52 that the Army veteran, who retired after 23 years of service, was hit by a stray bullet on April 4.
“There were three [shooters] chasing,” Elsa Morales, the victim's wife said. “Those people came from this side when the car that was shooting was on the corner, and they started running on the side where my husband was, where he got hit by the bullet.”
The widow said her husband was loved and respected by many in the community.
“He was in Iraq twice,” she said. "[He was] a very responsible person. All the neighbors here loved him very much.”
Two of the men were arrested on the night of the shooting, the others a few days later. The men arrested are as follows and are being held on $8 million bail.
- Taylor Byron Woods, 20, of Bellflower
- Tyrell Deshawn Louden, 20, of Indio
- Jordan Omarion Stokes, 18, of Long Beach
- Semaj Lamar Obrien 21, of Long Beach
The alleged suspects are also accused of shooting at four other people. One of the victims was injured with non-life-threatening injuries.
If convicted as charged, they will face life in prison.
They are scheduled to be arraigned on April 25 at the Long Beach Courthouse.
