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LONG BEACH, CA – Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón today announced charges against Taylor Byron Woods, Semaj Lamar O’Brien, Jordan Omarion Stokes and Tyrell DeShawn Louden Jr. in the shooting death of Long Beach resident Mario Morales-Moreno at his residence and the attempted murder of four others in Long Beach.

“Our hearts are with Mr. Morales-Moreno’s family as they deal with this unimaginable tragedy,” District Attorney Gascón said. “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. 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.”

“This was a tragedy for our community, and we grieve the loss alongside Mario Morales-Moreno's family and loved ones,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson. “Gang violence has no place in our community and must be condemned in the strongest terms possible. As a community, we must continue to work together to place a focus on violence prevention, community safety, and opportunities for our youth. We want to thank the Long Beach Police Department, partner agencies, and our District Attorney for holding the suspects accountable.”

“Gang-related violence has no place in any part of our city, and this callous criminal act has forever changed the lives of Mr. Moreno’s family,” said Chief of Police Wally Hebeish. “The tireless investigative work and arrests of these suspects again demonstrates the commitment of our personnel to hold violent individuals accountable and take dangerous firearms out of their hands. Through their efforts, along with the assistance of our community, detectives were able to safely arrest the suspects within days of this crime, while also recovering multiple firearms.”

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LOS ANGELES, CA — Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced today the exoneration and release of Stephen Patterson, who spent nearly two decades in prison for a South L.A. murder in 2005 he did not commit.

“In this era of progress, it’s crucial to acknowledge the imperfections of our past and actively work to correct those wrongs,” District Attorney Gascón said. “It’s our responsibility that no family is torn apart by a miscarriage of justice, and no community is left with the actual perpetrator roaming their streets. Our office’s Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU) is dedicated to meticulously reviewing cases and collaborating to uncover the truth and increase public safety.”

 Michael Semanchik, executive director of The Innocence Center, said he was thrilled that Patterson has been exonerated.

“Stephen has always maintained his innocence. Unfortunately, his wrongful conviction was the product of a single bad eyewitness identification and shoddy police work,” Semanchik said. “We are lucky to have a great working relationship with the CIU. Not only did it allow us to free an innocent person, but together, we identified the true perpetrators.”

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POMONA, CA – Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón today announced charges against Victor Siharath after he allegedly ran a red light while driving intoxicated and hit a vehicle, killing three women and injuring two others, including a child, on Saturday, March 2, in Pomona.

“There are no words to express the heartbreak that Mr. Siharath’s actions have caused these victims’ families and community,” District Attorney Gascón said. “Our hearts go out to the grieving families and the survivors as they attempt to cope with this unimaginable tragedy. Those who choose to jeopardize themselves and others by driving under the influence will face swift legal consequences. There is nothing that can bring back the countless lives lost to speeding and drunk driving, but our office will continue to hold those responsible.”

“I am pleased that the District Attorney’s Office is aggressively pursuing charges on this matter,”  Pomona Mayor Tim Sandoval said. “Driving under the influence is 100% preventable.  Individuals who ignore the law need to understand that there are repercussions for their senseless actions, that often result in tragedy, pain and loss to the victims’ families and our community.”   

“The actions and choices of a DUI driver on March 2^nd took the lives of three innocent people and severely injured two others,” Pomona Police Chief Michael Ellis said.  “The Pomona Police Department mourns with our community and the families of the victims. Pomona PD is conducting the criminal investigation for this incident, and murder charges are being filed. We are committed to enforcing DUI laws in Pomona and will work with the District Attorney’s Office to ensure justice in this case.” 

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