Chief James T. Butts, Jr. announces that murder charges have been filed against two suspects in the October 27, 1998, in the quadruple shooting spree that left Anthony Juarez and Michael Juarez fatally wounded and two others severely injured. The murders took place at the Westside Clothing store located in the 2200 block of Lincoln Boulevard in the City of Santa Monica.
Evidence recovered at the crime scene was processed with current DNA technology. The DNA evidence was sent to the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Forensics Services DNA Laboratory and entered into their databank of known offenders. The samples submitted were matched with two convicted felons. Both suspects are currently serving prison sentences in the California penitentiary system.
The two suspects have been identified as: David Robles, Male Hispanic, 29 years of age from Lennox, California and Jessie Garcia, Male Hispanic, 29 years of age from Los Angeles, California. Robles and Garcia are cousins.
Robles’ criminal past includes attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and weapons violations and he was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in February 2001. He is currently serving an eight-year sentence in state prison. Robles has admitted and is documented as participating in Los Angeles County criminal street gang.
Garcia’s criminal past includes burglary, auto theft, and narcotics violations. Garcia was convicted of carjacking and assault with a deadly weapon with a firearm causing great bodily injury in May 1999. He is currently in state prison. Garcia has admitted to and is documented as participating in Los Angeles based criminal street gang.
On April 14, 2006 Santa Monica Police Detectives presented the investigation to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office for review. Upon completion of the review of this case, it was decided that charges would be filed on both suspects. Because both are in-custody on unrelated charges, the District Attorney’s Office must file the case and seek the issuance from a magistrate of no-bail arrest warrants for both suspects.
Both David Robles, (moniker of Puppet) and Jessie Garcia, (moniker of Psycho) will be charged as follows:
Two (2) counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances (multiple murders); two (2) counts of attempted murder; four (4) counts of personal use of a firearm; four (4) counts of participating in a street gang and committing the crime in furtherance of the gang.
Chief Butts states; “We have fulfilled our promise to the parents and family of Anthony and Michael Juarez to be relentless in bringing the murderers of these innocent young men to justice. It is our hope that the solution of this crime brings some measure of peace to the family.”
