Arraignment was postponed Monday for two men facing murder charges stemming from what police called the gang-related shooting death of an innocent bystander who got caught in the crossfire.
In addition to the murder count stemming from the killing of 36-year-old Alejandra Martinez, Long Beach residents Jacquise Wright, 31, and Tyquan Benson, 25, are also each facing counts of attempted murder and assault with a semi-automatic firearm against a second victim identified only as Nadia M., and firing shots from a motor vehicle at both victims.
Benson is additionally charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, according to the District Attorney’s Office. Benson has two 2014 convictions for burglary, according to the criminal complaint.
Wright appeared in court Monday but did not enter a plea, while Benson did not make an appearance. Arraignment is now scheduled March 9 for both men, who were arrested on Thursday and are each being held on $2 million bail.
Co-defendant Patrick Lee O’Neal Jr., 35, was charged with possession of a firearm by a felon. O’Neal has prior convictions for drug possession, according to the complaint.
The shooting occurred about 11:20 p.m. on Dec. 4 in a parking lot near Magnolia Avenue and Anaheim Street, where several people were buying food from a mobile vendor, according to Long Beach police.
Detectives believe a gang-related dispute escalated into a shooting and “detectives also believe the victim was not the intended target,” according to a police statement.