On January 29, 2024, at about 11:56 p.m., 35-year-old James Avila was shot in the 900 block of West Holt Avenue in Pomona, California. Officers who responded to reports of gunfire found Avila with a gunshot wound; he was treated at the scene, taken to a nearby hospital, and later died of his injuries.

Pomona Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit identified two suspects and arrested them on February 9, 2024. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office charged 29-year-old Armando Wardle and 28-year-old Mayan Ayala each with one count of murder. Wardle also faces allegations of prior felony conviction enhancements, possession of a firearm by a felon, and use of a firearm during the commission of a crime. Wardle is held without bail; Ayala’s bail is set at $2 million. Both made initial court appearances and are scheduled for further proceedings in Pomona Superior Court on March 19, 2024.

The motive has not been disclosed, and questions remain about the circumstances that led to Avila’s death. If anyone has information about the shooting or knew James Avila, please come forward to share what you know.