A murder charge was filed Thursday against a Lakewood man accused of gunning down his older brother.
Brandon Van Heyningen, 44, is scheduled to be arraigned April 15 in a Norwalk courtroom in connection with the death of his 47-year-old sibling, Richard Van Heyningen, in Lakewood on Tuesday morning, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
The murder count includes a sentence-enhancing allegation that he personally and intentionally discharged a firearm, which caused great bodily injury and death.
Prosecutors allege the defendant got out of a vehicle and shot his brother, who was on a bicycle, after an argument.
Sheriff’s homicide detectives were sent to Hardwick Street and Woodruff Avenue about 9:40 a.m. and found the victim lying in the street with gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
His brother, who was arrested about 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, faces up to 50 years to life in state prison if convicted, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
— City News Service