Ruben Martinez, a 27-year-old Latino man, was shot and killed on September 6, 2006, in Paramount, California. He was sitting in a truck with his girlfriend, Daniele S., eating food they had bought, parked across the street from the home of Martinez’s friend Alex G. Alex and his brother Eric were standing beside the truck talking with Martinez when three cars approached. A man got out of one vehicle, brandishing a gun, confronted Alex and Eric about gang affiliations, then turned to Martinez and fired multiple shots at his chest.

Daniele S. survived wounds described in the case as the result of the same attack; she was later the victim of aggravated mayhem and an attempted willful, deliberate, and premeditated murder. The investigation led to the arrest of Jesus Alberto Peraza, who was convicted at trial of first-degree murder for Martinez’s killing, the attempted murder and aggravated mayhem against Daniele S., and found true on firearms and street gang allegations. Peraza’s criminal history, including a juvenile robbery adjudication and prior convictions used for sentencing enhancements, was presented during court proceedings.

The trial record shows Peraza was represented by appointed counsel at trial and later sought retained counsel for post-trial motions. The court denied a motion for a new trial and imposed a lengthy state prison term. Does anyone have memories of the Paramount neighborhood or details about that night that could shed further light on this case?