Two charged in Azusa tot slaying

From Sandi Gibbons at the DA’s Office:

POMONA – Two men were charged with murder by the District Attorney’s office today in last week’s shooting death of a 6-year-old boy who was killed while playing outside his home in Azusa.

Arraignment for both was scheduled for some time after 1:30 p.m. today in Department N. Pomona Superior Court.

Richard Paul Joseph Gomez, 21 (dob 10-17-1988), of Azusa, and Mathew Steven Loza, 20 (dob 11-3-1989), of West Covina, were charged in case No. KA 089283 with one count of murder. The boy, identified by authorities as Jessie Valencia, was shot to death outside his home in the 300 block of South Azusa Avenue on Jan. 8. The complaint alleged that Loza personally used a firearm, a 30-30 rifle, to commit the crime.

The complaint also charged Gomez, who authorities said lived across the street from the boy’s home, with one count of being an accessory after the fact. Gomez additionally was charged with one count of unlawful firearm activity for having a 30-30 rifle in his possession. The complaint alleged that the defendant had been convicted of a misdemeanor count of spousal battery.

Bail for each defendant was recommended at $1 million. If convicted, both could face possible maximum state prison terms of life with the possibility of parole.

Deputy District Attorney Duke Chau was assigned to prosecute the case.

Facebook Twitter Reddit Tumblr Linkedin Email

3 thoughts on “Two charged in Azusa tot slaying

  1. i know this was an accident i knew loza & gomez.. loza would never do such a thing.. he loves kids of what i know.. and as for gomez idk y had the riffel in his own home…

  2. I also know loza. This was an accident been a mother of children myself i understand what they are going thew. But this was an accident Loza never intended to harm anyone he is such a good kind loving kid. I hope GOD sees him threw this and finds him NOT GUILTY for we all know he did not do anything wrong… WE LOVE YOU MATTHEW…

  3. I also know loza. This was an accident been a mother of children myself i understand what they are going thew. But this was an accident Loza never intended to harm anyone he is such a good kind loving kid. I hope GOD sees him threw this and finds him NOT GUILTY for we all know he did not do anything wrong… WE LOVE YOU MATTHEW…

Comments are closed.