Long Beach, California – Jacquise Wright, 34, of Long Beach, has been found guilty of first-degree murder in connection to the December 4, 2020, shooting death of Alejandra Martinez. Wright, along with co-defendant Tyquan Benson, 28, was involved in the apparent gang-related shooting that claimed Martinez’s life.

Guilty Verdicts and Sentencing

The Long Beach jury not only convicted Wright of first-degree murder but also found him guilty on charges of attempted murder, assault with a semiautomatic firearm, and shooting from a motor vehicle. Deputy District Attorney Robert Song confirmed the verdicts, stating that Wright is scheduled for sentencing on July 8.

Tyquan Benson, convicted last July on similar charges along with being a felon in possession of a firearm, received a sentence of 50 years to life plus an additional 17 years and eight months in state prison last October.

Tragic Circumstances Unfolded

During the trial, it was revealed that Martinez, a 36-year-old mother of three, was an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire. The incident occurred at a parking lot near Magnolia Avenue and Anaheim Street, where Martinez had stopped at a taco truck after work. She tragically lost her life as a result of the confrontation between Wright, Benson, and rival gang members.

Deputy District Attorney Song emphasized to the jury that despite uncertainties about who fired the fatal shot, both Wright and Benson were culpable for Martinez’s death due to their actions during the altercation.

Defense Arguments and Police Statements

Wright’s defense attorney, George Moyer, asserted his client’s innocence, stating that Wright attempted to defuse the situation and avoid conflict. Moyer highlighted Benson’s volatile nature but maintained that association with him did not make Wright guilty of murder.

The Long Beach Police Department initially categorized the shooting as stemming from a gang-related dispute. They confirmed that Martinez was not the intended target and that another victim, a female juvenile, sustained injuries but recovered.

Wright and Benson were apprehended approximately two and a half months after the shooting and have remained in custody since.

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