A story for every victim

Andy Geovanny Chicas, 21

Andy Chicas, a 21-year-old Latino, was shot and killed Saturday, Aug. 8, in the 11800 block of Wilmington Avenue in Willowbrook, according to authorities.

Chicas and his friend, Jose Aragon, 21, were inside a McDonald's shortly before 10:30 p.m. when they began arguing with two other men, according to a news release from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. 

The argument continued into the parking lot and eventually escalated into a fight. At one point, one of the men pulled a gun and shot both Aragon and Chicas in the chest, according to the release.

Deputies were called to the scene at 10:35 p.m. and Aragon and Chicas were taken to a local hospital, according to the release. Aragon, who lived in Compton, was pronounced dead at 10:48 p.m., according to Los Angeles County coroner's records. 

Chicas, who lived in Long Beach, died about the same time, according to the sheriff's news release. The exact time of his death was not available from the coroner's office. Family members have created a fundraising account to help cover expenses for Chicas' girlfriend and their toddler son.

The other two men who were involved in the fight were arrested on suspicion of murder the following day, according to the sheriff's news release. 

The Los Angeles County district attorney's office declined to file charges against one of the men, a 21-year-old Latino from Gardena, due to insufficient evidence, said Sarah Ardalani, a spokeswoman for the office. He was released from jail Aug. 12.

The other man, Angel Mares, a 22-year-old Latino from Lawndale, was charged with two counts of murder and one count each of possession of a firearm by a felon, having a concealed firearm on his person and carrying a loaded firearm, Ardalani said. 

Mares pleaded not guilty to the charges when he was arraigned Aug. 11. He is scheduled to return to court Aug. 25 for a preliminary hearing at the Los Angeles County Superior Court Compton Courthouse in Department D. He is being held without bail at the Los Angeles County Jail.

The case is still under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff's Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Those wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. 

Share a memory or thought about Andy Geovanny Chicas

Before you post, here are some answers to frequently asked questions:

Remember, all posts are approved by a Times staffer. Profanity and personal attacks will not be approved.

  Required
  Required

Two reader comments