A story for every victim

Charges: Gang member pleads not guilty to murder charges

Robert Rubio, a 53-year-old Latino, pleaded not guilty this week to killing Monica Barbosa, a 54-year-old white woman, according to Los Angeles County district attorney officials.

Rubio was charged Tuesday with one count each of murder, attempted murder and possession of a firearm by a felon in the Dec. 17 walk-up shooting in Long Beach.

Rubio, described by prosecutors as a Hawaiian Gardens gang member, allegedly walked up to Barbosa and a male friend and shot them both in the 3500 block of Monica Avenue. The man survived the attack.

In a news release, the district attorney's office said Rubio had previously been convicted of numerous felonies including "robbery in 1984, battery in 1992, and manufacturing, selling, or possessing dangerous weapons in 2010."

Rubio is scheduled to appear in court at a Feb. 28 preliminary hearing in Long Beach. He is being held in county jail in lieu of $4 million bail.

-- Nicole Santa Cruz

Post a comment

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

Three reader comments