Jonathan Sandoval-Aleman, a 23-year-old resident of Long Beach, California, tragically lost his life on the night of August 12, 2017. Sandoval-Aleman, who was known by his stage name Johnny Hash, was an aspiring rapper and a father to a six-year-old daughter. On that fateful night, he was shot multiple times in the upper torso while standing in front of his residence near the intersection of 7th Street and Orange Avenue.
The incident occurred around 11:30 PM, and despite the prompt arrival of emergency services, Sandoval-Aleman was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation into Sandoval-Aleman's death quickly led to the arrest of Drake Nathaniel Loza, an 18-year-old documented gang member from Long Beach. Loza was apprehended two days after the shooting, on August 14, 2017, near 10th Street and Orange Avenue. He was subsequently charged with one count of murder, as well as additional charges including attempted murder, shooting at an inhabited dwelling, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Loza was held at the Long Beach City Jail with bail set at $2 million.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and investigators have not definitively determined whether the incident was gang-related. The Long Beach Police Department's Homicide Detail continues to investigate the case, urging anyone with information to come forward. Despite the arrest and charges against Loza, the community and Sandoval-Aleman's family continue to seek answers and justice for the young father whose life was cut short.
