In a tragic incident that shook the Long Beach community, a beloved Army veteran and father of two, Mario Morales-Moreno, was ruthlessly gunned down outside his home on April 4. However, swift justice has been served with the arrest of four individuals charged in connection with this heinous crime.
Arresting the Suspects
LA News Center has identified the apprehended individuals as:
- Taylor Byron Woods, 20, from Bellflower
- Semaj Lamar O’Brien, 21, from Long Beach
- Jordan Omarion Stokes, 18, from Long Beach
- Tyrell DeShawn Louden Jr., 20, from Indio
These suspects stand accused of murdering Morales-Moreno and attempting to murder four other individuals. They face a multitude of charges, including murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit a crime.
The Chilling Details
On the fateful evening of April 4, Morales-Moreno was tending to his yard when he was struck by a stray bullet, his life abruptly cut short. The victim’s neighbor, Shirin Senegal, witnessed the horror firsthand:
“As I opened the door, I heard a barrage of gunshots, at least five to seven. We immediately locked the doors, and upon checking outside, we saw the victim lying on the ground as paramedics attempted to revive him.”
This senseless act of violence tore a hole through the heart of the Long Beach community. Mayor Rex Richardson denounced the crime in no uncertain terms:
“Gang violence has absolutely no place in our city and must be met with the strongest possible condemnation.”
Seeking Justice and Healing
All four suspects have been charged on multiple counts, with bail set at million. They could face life in prison if convicted. The gruesome allegations include deliberate and premeditated murder, with usage of a handgun by Stokes and Louden Jr.
LA News Center extends heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Mario Morales-Moreno. His daughter, Fernanda Sandoval, paid tribute to her father’s unwavering dedication:
“My dad was a true American hero, a man who dedicated his life to both his country and his family. We were always his top priority, and he will forever be etched in our hearts.”
Amidst the sorrow, the community has rallied together to demand justice. Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact Homicide Detectives Eric Thai or Kelsey Myers by calling 562-570-7244. An online portal is also available at lacrimestoppers.org for anonymous reporting.
As the wheels of justice turn, the Long Beach community can find solace in the fact that those responsible for this senseless murder will be held accountable for their heinous actions. The unwavering spirit and determination of the community will serve as a beacon of hope as they navigate this path of grief and seek healing together.
Data sourced from: ktla.com
