Teens Charged as Adults in Fatal Wilson High Shooting

Teens Charged as Adults in
Fatal Wilson High Shooting

November 6, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Joe Scott, Director of Communications
Sandi Gibbons, Public Information Officer
Jane Robison, News Secretary
Shiara Dávila-Morales, Assistant PIO
(213) 974-3525

LONG BEACH – Two 16-year-old suspected gang members were charged today as adults in last week’s fatal shooting of an honor student shortly after her high school homecoming game ended, the District Attorney’s office announced.

Tom Love Vinson, (dob 1-1-93), and Daivion Davis (dob 10-31-93), were charged with one count each of murder and two counts each of attempted murder in case NA083837, said Deputy District Attorney Dean Bengston with the Hardcore Gang Division.

The two are scheduled to be arraigned today at Long Beach Superior Court, Department J.

Melody Ross, 16, was gunned down about 10 p.m. on Oct. 30 after the homecoming football game at Wilson High School. Police said Ross was an innocent bystander who was shot when two groups of gang members had a confrontation. Two men, ages 18 and 20, were wounded but are recovering.

The complaint alleges Vinson, who is from Bellflower, personally and intentionally discharged a handgun and that both he and Davis, who is from Long Beach, committed the crimes to further a street gang.

They are being held on $3 million bail each. If convicted, each faces up to life in prison.

jr

Please read our Privacy Policy.