Mike Sebastian Cortez-Marquez, a 19-year-old from Redondo Beach, California, tragically lost his life on June 16, 2016. The incident occurred at the intersection of Inglewood and Marine avenues, near the boundary with Lawndale. According to reports, Cortez-Marquez and a friend had driven to a gas station at the southwest corner of the intersection around 4 p.m. While there, they encountered Erik Martinez, also 19 years old. An argument ensued between the two groups, leading to a physical altercation in the crosswalk. During the fight, Martinez pulled out a gun and shot at both Cortez-Marquez and his friend. Cortez-Marquez was pronounced dead at the scene at 4:07 p.m. due to multiple gunshot wounds, while his friend was taken to a hospital and expected to recover.
The investigation revealed that the individuals involved were associated with rival gangs from Lawndale. No weapons were found on Cortez-Marquez or his friend. Erik Martinez was arrested the following day in Long Beach. He was charged with murder and attempted murder, with additional allegations of using a handgun and committing the crime in association with a criminal street gang. Martinez was held on a $3.04 million bail and was scheduled to be arraigned on July 6, 2016, at the Los Angeles County Superior Court's Torrance Courthouse. A gun not registered to Martinez was found during his arrest, and investigators were working to determine if it was the weapon used in the shooting.
The case drew significant attention due to the gang-related nature of the crime and the young age of those involved. The Redondo Beach Police Department urged anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community assistance in solving such cases. The tragic death of Mike Sebastian Cortez-Marquez highlighted the ongoing issues of gang violence and the devastating impact it has on families and communities.
