Markel Benson Bragg

Markel Benson Bragg was a 23-year-old Black man known for his kind, brave, and loving nature. Remembered by loved ones as lighthearted, humorous, and optimistic, he was a father to one child and an employee at Tesla. His life was cut short in his community of Pittsburg, California, leaving behind a grieving family.

On the night of July 4, 2024, a little before midnight, Markel was outside the La Aurora Market on West 10th Street. According to prosecutors, a man attempted to rob him. When Markel resisted, he was allegedly shot multiple times. The entire incident was captured on surveillance cameras, which became a key piece of evidence for police.

In the days that followed, Pittsburg police identified a suspect from the surveillance footage. On July 12, officers arrested Rohney Stewart, a 27-year-old man from the nearby city of Rodeo, in connection with Markel's death.

Prosecutors subsequently charged Rohney Stewart with the murder of Markel Benson Bragg. The charge carries a special circumstance enhancement for a killing that occurred during the commission of a robbery. If convicted, Stewart is eligible for a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. In the wake of the tragedy, Markel’s mother, Sharnita Benson, created a GoFundMe campaign to help with funeral expenses. As of July 2024, the case against Stewart was proceeding in court.