Inside LADA

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.”

Watch the news conference.

Read the news release.