A story for every victim

Alex David Lomeli, 18

Alex David Lomeli, an 18-year-old Latino, was shot and killed Sunday, May 7, in the 6500 block of South Normandie Avenue in Harvard Park, according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records.

About 8 p.m., Carlos Alberto Martinez, a 61-year-old Latino, was inside the store he owned, Martinez Market, along with a cashier, when two men wearing skintight hooded sweatshirts walked in, Los Angeles Police Det. Dave Garrido said.

One of the men, believed to be Lomeli, pointed a gun at Martinez, who also was armed. The two men exchanged gunfire, Garrido said, and the suspects ran away.

Martinez was pronounced dead at the scene.

Later that night, detectives were notified of a gunshot victim at a local hospital who later was identified as Lomeli, Garrido said. Lomeli was pronounced dead at 9:10 p.m., according to coroner’s records.

On May 10, prosecutors charged Hector Benitez, a 29-year-old Latino, in Martinez’s death. Benitez, believed to be Lomeli’s accomplice, was charged with one count of murder with the special circumstance that the killing took place during a robbery, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office.

Prosecutors say Benitez is a gang member.

Detectives are seeking an additional suspect in the killing, who was described only as a Latino, Garrido said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Criminal Gang Homicide Division at (323) 786-5113. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

Contact the Homicide Report. Follow @nicolesantacruz and @latimeshomicide on Twitter.

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