Compton Man Charged with Murder of Wheelchair-Bound Victim, Friend

Compton Man Charged with Murder
of Wheelchair-Bound Victim, Friend

April 23, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Joe Scott, Director of Communications
Sandi Gibbons, Public Information Officer
Jane Robison, News Secretary
(213) 974-3525

COMPTON – A 19-year-old man who allegedly took part in the shooting deaths of two men, including one in a wheelchair, was charged today with murder.
Deputy-In-Charge Larry Droeger of Hardcore Gang Division said Andrew Lemus (dob 07/18/88) is charged in case No. TA096889 with two counts of murder. Arraignment for the defendant was put over to May 7 at Compton Superior Court, Dept. D.

The complaint alleges the special circumstance that the defendant committed multiple murders and that the crime was committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, or in association with a criminal street gang. It further alleges that a principal personally and intentionally discharged a handgun causing great bodily injury and death to the victims.

On April 20, Rigoberto Vega and David Gallegos were walking northbound on Alameda Street in Compton when a vehicle drove past them and then abruptly made a U-turn. Upon catching up to the victims, the right-front passenger in the car began firing. The victims died at the scene.

Within a day of the murders, the defendant turned himself in to homicide detectives of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, prosecutors said.

If convicted as charged, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of death or life imprisonment without parole.

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