Charges Announced Against Man Who Allegedly Shot and Killed Two Brothers Near Exposition Park

Photo: Ricardo Rios, 19, and his brother Sergio Rios, 33, seen in this undated family photo.(ktla.com)

On June 1, 2024, at around 2 p.m., officers were dispatched to a residence near Budlong Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, just a block from the LA Memorial Coliseum. Upon arrival, they found Sergio Rios, 33, and Ricardo Rios, 19, suffering from gunshot wounds while sitting in their parked vehicle. According to the investigation, the brothers were approached by Marcos Navarro, who allegedly opened fire on them.

Sergio Rios died at the scene, while Ricardo Rios was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

The Charges

On June 10, 2024, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced charges against Marcos Navarro for the alleged murder of the two brothers outside their home near Exposition Park. Navarro (dob 3/5/1991) has been charged with two counts of murder under case number 24CJCF03508. Additionally, it is alleged that Navarro used a firearm in the commission of these offenses. He is currently being held on $5,000,000 bail and is scheduled to be arraigned on July 3, 2024, in Department 30 of the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center.

Murder Charges (Penal Code 187): Navarro is facing two counts of murder under California Penal Code 187. This statute defines murder as the unlawful killing of a human being with malice aforethought. In this case, the prosecution must prove that Navarro acted with intent to kill or with a conscious disregard for human life. Evidence presented will likely focus on Navarro’s actions before, during, and after the shooting to establish this intent.

Firearm Enhancement: The charges also include an enhancement for the use of a firearm. Under California law, the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony can result in additional penalties, including increased prison time. This enhancement is applied when a firearm is used to facilitate the crime, thereby increasing the severity of the offense.

Investigation and Arrest

The Los Angeles Police Department conducted a thorough investigation, which included eyewitness accounts and forensic analysis. The LAPD identified Navarro as a suspect shortly after the incident. He was arrested on June 2, 2024, a day after the shooting. During the investigation, it was revealed that the Rios brothers were possibly involved in an argument with Navarro, who left and returned shortly thereafter to shoot them.

District Attorney George Gascón extended his condolences to the victims’ family, highlighting the tragedy of losing two family members to gun violence. “These tragic deaths underscore the urgency of keeping guns out of the hands of the wrong individuals. Our office is dedicated to seeking justice for the victims and their loved ones,” Gascón said during a press conference.

The Los Angeles Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, and the legal process will unfold in the coming months. Navarro’s arraignment is scheduled for July 3, 2024, where he faces a maximum sentence of life in state prison if convicted as charged.

Key Details from the Case

• Incident Location: Near Budlong Avenue and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, close to the LA Memorial Coliseum.
• Date and Time: June 1, 2024, at approximately 2 p.m.
• Victims: Sergio Rios (33) died at the scene, and Ricardo Rios (19) died in the hospital.
• Suspect: Marcos Navarro, 33, charged with two counts of murder and firearm enhancement.
• Bail: Navarro is held on $5,000,000 bail.