Jose Alfredo Aragon, a 21-year-old Latino, was tragically shot and killed on August 8, 2015, in the 11800 block of Wilmington Avenue in Willowbrook, Los Angeles. According to the Los Angeles County coroner's records, Aragon and his friend, Andy Chicas, were inside a McDonald's shortly before 10:30 p.m. when they began arguing with two other men. The argument escalated into a physical altercation in the parking lot, during which one of the men pulled out a gun and shot both Aragon and Chicas in the chest. Deputies arrived at the scene at 10:35 p.m., and both victims were transported to a local hospital. Aragon, who resided in Compton, was pronounced dead at 10:48 p.m., while Chicas, from Long Beach, also succumbed to his injuries around the same time.
The investigation led to the arrest of the two men involved in the altercation the following day. One of the suspects, a 21-year-old Latino from Gardena, was released from jail on August 12 after the Los Angeles County district attorney's office declined to file charges against him due to insufficient evidence. The other suspect, identified as Angel Mares, a 22-year-old Latino from Lawndale, faced more severe consequences. Mares was charged with two counts of murder, along with additional charges of possession of a firearm by a felon, having a concealed firearm on his person, and carrying a loaded firearm. Mares pleaded not guilty to the charges during his arraignment on August 11 and was held without bail at the Los Angeles County Jail. His preliminary hearing was scheduled for August 25 at the Los Angeles County Superior Court Compton Courthouse.
The case remained under investigation, with authorities urging anyone with information to contact the sheriff's Homicide Bureau. The tragic incident highlighted the ongoing issues of gun violence and the challenges faced by law enforcement in securing sufficient evidence to prosecute all involved parties. The community mourned the loss of two young lives, and the legal proceedings against Mares continued as the justice system sought to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
