Two brothers accused of fatally stabbing another man during a fight in Monterey Park denied murder charges on Friday, authorities said.
Moises Garcia, 57, and Victor Garcia, 55, both of Monterey Park, are each charged with murder in connection with the June 10 stabbing death of 26-year-old Michael Anthony Villar of Monterey Park, according to Los Angeles County District Attorney’s officials.
Prosecutors further allege that Moises Garcia personally wielded the knife used in the killing, and that he has previously convictions for rape, rape in concert and forcible oral copulation in 1984, district attorney’s office spokeswoman Sarah Ardalani said in a written statement. His brother faces an additional charge of murder likely to produce great bodily injury.
The stabbing took place after the brothers and Villar became involved in a dispute over a parking space, as well as other issues, shortly after midnight in the 1200 block of College View Drive, Lt. Randy Moore of the Los Angeles County sheriff’s Homicide Bureau said.
“During the altercation, the men allegedly stabbed and assaulted Villar,” Ardalani said.
It was unclear whether the suspects and the victim were acquainted with one another prior to the deadly altercation.
If convicted as charged, Moises Garcia faces up to 66 years to life in state prison, while Victor Garcia faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison, she said.
According to county booking records, Moises Garcia was being held in lieu of $2.02 million bail, while Victor Garcia was being held in lieu of $1 million bail.
Both men are scheduled to return to the Alhambra branch of Los Angeles County Superior Court on July 20 for a preliminary hearing setting.
An online account set up to collect funds to help Villar’s family at www.gofundme.com/michaelvillar has collected more than $11,000.
“Michael was a kind, loving, gentle, and courageous soul who lived life to the fullest,” according to a memorial posted on the page. “A talented Los Angeles photographer, his love and appreciation for the simpler things in life was documented in his art.” A link to a gallery of Villar’s photos, https://www.instagram.com/arctic_mikey/, was included.
“He touched more lives than we will ever know. When Michael was in our presence, he made us feel special,” the memeorial continued.
“Michael’s family is grateful for the love and support you have demonstrated in this difficult time. It is gratifying to know he was loved by so many. Please feel free to share your stories and pictures with his family as they appreciate those precious memories.”

PHOTO: Michael Anthony Villar, 26, of Monterey Park, was fatally stabbed during an argument on June 10, 2017, in the 1200 block of College View Drive in Monterey Park. (Courtesy)