Four individuals are charged with the murder of Mario Morales-Moreno and the attempted murder of four others in Long Beach
April 12, 2024 - LONG BEACH, CA – Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón on Thursday 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.”
Taylor Byron Woods (20), Semaj Lamar O’Brien (21), Jordan Omarion Stokes (18) and Tyrell DeShawn Louden Jr. (20) are each charged in case 24LBCF00470with one count of murder; four counts of attempted murder; and one count of conspiracy to commit a crime.
It is further alleged that the murder was committed willfully, deliberately and with premeditation; and that in the commission and attempted commission of the offenses, Stokes, and Louden Jr., personally used a handgun.
All four defendants are scheduled to be arraigned April 25 in Dept. S01 at the Long Beach Courthouse.
The defendants are each being held on $8 million bail.
On April 4, Woods, O’Brien, Stokes, and Louden Jr. allegedly shot and killed Mario Morales-Moreno as he was working in his home’s front yard near the corner of 61st Street and Atlantic Avenue in Long Beach.
The defendants also are accused of shooting at four other individuals. One of the victims was injured with non-life-threatening injuries.
If convicted as charged, the defendants will face life in prison.
The case is being investigated by the Long Beach Police Department.
Source: Los Angeles County District Attorney