The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has filed a murder charge against the man who allegedly shot and killed a fellow passenger on an L.A. Metro bus in Commerce on Thursday.
In a news release, District Attorney George Gascón announced Winston Apolinario Rivera, 30, faces a charge of murder and a special allegation he used a firearm while committing a crime in the fatal shooting of Juan Luis Gomez-Ramirez.
According to prosecutors, Rivera entered a bus in the 6200 block of Slauson Avenue and sat behind Gomez-Ramirez.
“As the bus came to a stop, the defendant allegedly walked to the rear exit, stopped behind Gomez-Ramirez, pointed a gun at his head and shot, instantly killing him,” the release said.
Rivera was captured in the 6100 block of Peachtree Street, where he was hiding under a train, officials said.
“This tragic and senseless shooting claimed the life of a beloved husband and father innocently riding on a Metro bus,” Gascón said. “Our hearts go out to the victim’s family during this incredibly difficult time, and we will provide all the support we can as they navigate through this painful ordeal.”
Gomez-Ramirez’s killing came just hours after board members of the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority held a press conference to talk about their response to a spree of high-profile violent incidents on and near buses and trains.
In the release, Gascón noted the “recent violent acts targeting innocent Metro passengers and a driver.”
Such acts of violence are absolutely unacceptable, and we will hold accountable those who perpetrate these heinous crimes,” he said. “Our community deserves to feel safe, and we are committed to pursuing justice for all victims and ensuring that those responsible face the full consequences of their actions.”
Rivera is in Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department custody, and he is being held in lieu of $2 million bail, according to jail records.
He was scheduled to be arraigned on Monday, and he faces a maximum sentence of 35 years to life in prison if convicted.