Two cousins were arrested in a shooting in front of a Wilmington school last year that left a 12-year-old boy dead and two other people injured.
Alexander Alvarado was in a black Dodge Durango Dec. 6 when someone opened fire on the SUV in the area of Denni Street and Blinn Avenue in Wilmington. Alvarado, who was in the front passenger seat, was killed.
The SUV's driver and a girl who was at Wilmington Park Elementary School were shot and wounded. The young girl was struck by a stray round while playing in the nearby school yard during an after-school event.
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Alexander's 10-year-old brother was also a passenger in the SUV. He was not struck by gunfire.
Alexander's mother, Jenny Romero, said last year the wounded driver -- her wife -- and Alexander had just picked up Romero's 10-year-old son from school. Romero said two people "popped out of nowhere" and opened fire.
"My wife (saw) his face, and she said he actually looked like my son, looked like a kid. So a kid shooting a kid,'' Romero said last year.
Damian Martinez, 21, and Gabriel Martinez, 19 were arrested on Tuesday and booked on suspicion of murder, according to the LAPD. Details about what led to their arrests were not immediately available. Damian Martinez was arrested Tuesday at his home in Wilmington. Gabriel Martinez was arrested during a traffic stop in Long Beach.
Police identified both suspects as gang members.
At least two people in a passing vehicle opened fire on the SUV, the LAPD said Friday at a news conference. Police said they are attempting to determine a motive behind the shooting.
A $20,000 reward was offered for information in the case. Police said they received several tips that helped lead to the arrests.
It was not immediately clear whether anyone will receive the reward money.
"Today is bittersweet, as we are here to announce the arrests of two dangerous gang members that have terrorized the Wilmington area, and who we believe to be responsible the senseless murder of Alexander,'' said Eddie Wang, acting special agent-in-charge of Homeland Security Investigations Los Angeles. "It is our sincere hope that these arrests will be one step closer for the family in the healing process."
