Prosecutors on Monday announced murder charges against a 33-year-old man who allegedly shot and killed two brothers earlier this month near Exposition Park.
Marcos Navarro was charged with two counts of murder in the deaths of Sergio and Ricardo Rios, ages 33 and 19, who were attacked June 1 while sitting in their car outside their home, the Los Angeles County District Attorney said. The Angels. George Gascón said at a press conference on Monday.
Gascón did not provide any details about the motive for the fatal attack. He would only say that the brothers were leaving his house and had a brief conversation with the suspect, after which the suspect armed himself with a 9mm automatic pistol and opened fire.
Iván Robles, cousin of the victims, also spoke at the press conference and denounced a “broken system that endangers innocent people.”
“This is not a black and brown problem or a gang problem, but a gun problem and a mental health problem across this country, and our government's failure to take action to protect our innocent lives,” he said. “I hope none of you have to experience what my family is going through right now, seeing your children slaughtered in broad daylight.”
He remembered his older cousin as a father of two children who “lit up any room he entered with joy.” He said his younger cousin, whom he called Ricky, “had her whole life ahead of her.”
Navarro is being held on $5 million bail and faces life in prison if convicted. He is scheduled to be arraigned next month.
The older brother died at the scene and the younger brother died at the hospital, police said at the time.
