COMPTON—On Wednesday, September 30, Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva and Los Angeles County District Attorney, Jackie Lacey announced that they have identified and charged a suspect in connection to the Compton police shooting that occurred on September 12.
Two officers from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, a 31-year-old mother, Claudia Apolinar and her 24-year-old partner were ambushed and shot multiple times while they were sitting in their patrol car at a Compton train station around 7:00 p.m. The shooter, 36-year-old, Deonte Lee Murray was seen on surveillance video running away immediately after on foot.
Lacey confirmed that Murray was charged with two felony counts of willful, deliberate and premeditated attempted murder of a peace officer.
As the officers fought for their lives, bystanders cheered and video taped the random act of unprovoked hatred. Protesters met in front of Saint Francis Medical Center where officers were taken and yelled, “OINK OINK! “f**k the police! I hope they die, mother fu**er!”
Here’s the reaction of an eyewitness to the ambush of two Deputies shot in the head in #Compton. The victims are in the background. No one is going to help them. Vote like your life depends on it. #BlueLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/tE8NH5YZvm
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) September 13, 2020
Sherriff Villanueva said, “These acts and that day, I will not forget it and it represents the worst in humanity.”
Lacey confirmed that the two officers, “became victims of a violent crime for one reason. They were doing their job and they were wearing a badge.” She said, “It’s our turn to seek justice on their behalf.”
Lacey noted that her office has “strong evidence” along with the video footage that went viral of the shooter and forensic proof that will be analyzed as the basis of the prosecution.
On September 15, Murray was arrested for carjacking and shooting a driver of a Mercedes Benz in Compton and faces attempted murder, car jacking, robbery and assault charges. At the time of that arrest, there was not enough evidence to conclude that he was the suspect of the Compton shooting as well.
Lacey stated that the defendant is expected to be arraigned on the new charges at Compton courthouse on September 30 and if convicted as charged he will face a maximum sentence of life in state prison.
Murray pleaded not guilty to all charges and his bail was set at $6.1 million. He is due back in court in November 17.
