LONG BEACH, Calif. — A man implicated in a tragic gang-related shooting that claimed the life of an unintended victim outside a taco truck in Long Beach was handed a 28-year to life sentence on Monday. Jacquise Wright, 34, found guilty of first-degree murder and other charges, is alleged to have been involved in the December 4, 2020, incident that led to the death of Alejandra Martinez, a 36-year-old mother of three.
The case concluded with Wright’s conviction for first-degree murder, attempted murder, assault with a semiautomatic firearm, and discharging a gun from a vehicle. Martinez was fatally injured by a stray bullet while she was buying food from a taco truck after finishing her workday.
In a related verdict, Tyquan Benson, 28, also from Long Beach and identified as the co-defendant, received a harsher sentence last October, reflecting prior criminal offenses. Benson, previously convicted of burglary in 2014, was sentenced to 50 years to life plus an additional 17 years and eight months, covering similar charges as Wright, along with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
During the trial, Superior Court Judge James D. Otto indicated that Wright’s role was considered slightly less culpable compared to Benson’s more direct involvement. Statements from the prosecution described a chaotic scene where Martinez was caught in a crossfire during an altercation involving Wright, Benson, and others.
Deputy District Attorney Robert Berry argued in court that evidence pointed decisively towards either Wright or Benson being responsible for Martinez’s death, fired from their separate vehicles amid a gang confrontation. The assistant pointed out that another individual, firing back from behind the taco truck and not directly involved with either defendant, could not have been responsible for the fatal shot that struck Martinez.
In defense, Wright’s attorney, George Moyer, maintained that his client did not fire any shots, suggesting instead that Wright was attempting to defuse the situation. Moyer portrayed Wright as trying to avoid violence and mentioned that just because Wright was present and associated with Benson does not establish his guilt in the homicide.
Further complicating the case, a juvenile female was also injured during the incident but later recovered, underscoring the random and dangerous nature of the shooting, which police believe escalated from a gang dispute.
Wright and Benson were apprehended about two and a half months after the incident. They have been in custody since their arrest, linked to the shooting following a detailed police investigation.
The sentences delivered reflect the severity of a crime where unintended victims suffered due to gang-related violence, highlighting ongoing concerns with public safety and the impact of firearms in community spaces. This tragic event underscores the broader societal challenges of curbing gang violence and protecting innocent bystanders amid urban crime.