Gang member gets life sentence in two Pomona shootings

A gang member was sentenced Jan. 17 to life in state prison without the possibility of parole for two fatal shootings in Pomona, according to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office. 

On Dec. 28, 2016, Israel Magana was convicted by a jury of two counts of first-degree murder in the killings of Covan Brady, 25, and Matthew Martin, 40. Magana was also found guilty of one count of possession of a firearm. Jurors also found true a special allegation of multiple murders as well as gun and gang allegations. 

Prosecutors said that on Oct. 23, 2013, Brady was at a Pomona doughnut shop when Magana walked up and shot him. Surveillance video shown during Magana's trial showed Brady trying to get away as Magana continued to fire. 

The video also showed the shooter wearing distinctive basketball shorts. The same shorts were later discovered in Magana’s home with residue from the gunshots on them, prosecutors added. 

Brady died at the hospital, according to coroner’s records.

Natividad Gonzalez, 27, who was initially arrested on suspicion of murder in Brady's killing, was later charged with a drug offence, but that was dismissed. 

On Nov. 2, 2013, Martin was sitting in his car in Pomona when Magana walked up to the vehicle and opened the door. Another man, Edward Osorio, 40, fired several fatal shots. 

A witness testified in court that Magana said he and Osorio participated in the shooting. Also, Magana’s DNA was on the interior handle of Martin’s car, according to prosecutors. 

Osorio was convicted of first-degree murder May 3, 2016. He is scheduled to return to court Friday for a motion for a new trial. 

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