Abdallah Abushawish, a 61-year-old proprietor of a meat market in Nuevo, California, tragically lost his life on August 19, 2020. The incident occurred at the Nuevo Meat Market, where Abushawish was engaged in a dispute over the price of carne asada with three individuals. The suspects, Alexander Isaiah Aquino, Isaiah Ralph Lugo, and Charles Richard Trevino, attempted to purchase the meat using a state-provided electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card. When Abushawish quoted the price, an argument ensued over the high cost of the meat, which Abushawish justified by its higher quality. During the altercation, Aquino pulled out a 9mm handgun and shot Abushawish six times. Despite being rushed to Riverside University Medical Center, Abushawish succumbed to his injuries less than an hour later.
The aftermath of the shooting saw the suspects fleeing the scene in a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu. Lugo and Trevino were apprehended by patrol deputies a few hours later, following a broadcast description of their vehicle. Aquino was dropped off at a fellow gang member's house before Lugo and Trevino were captured. The investigation revealed that the trio had planned the robbery, with Lugo and Trevino playing supporting roles while Aquino executed the fatal shooting.
Legal proceedings against the suspects were swift and decisive. Alexander Isaiah Aquino was convicted of first-degree murder, armed robbery, and several other charges, including presenting false identification to a peace officer and sentence-enhancing gun and great bodily injury allegations. In February 2024, a Riverside jury found Aquino guilty, and he was subsequently sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. His co-defendants, Lugo and Trevino, entered plea deals with the District Attorney's Office in November 2021. Lugo admitted to carrying a firearm while perpetrating a gang crime and was sentenced to seven years in state prison. Trevino, who admitted to an armed robbery allegation, received a 12-year prison sentence.
The case highlighted the dangers faced by small business owners and the severe consequences of violent crimes. The community of Nuevo was left in shock and mourning over the senseless loss of Abdallah Abushawish, a respected and beloved figure in the local area. The swift legal actions and the sentences handed down to the perpetrators served as a measure of justice for Abushawish's family and the community.
