2 men charged with murder of Long Beach street vendor
Two men have been charged with murder in the March killing of a street vendor in Long Beach.
On Thursday, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced murder charges were filed against Rahman Snook Abdallah, 19, of Long Beach and Raylon Deshawn Akers, 23, of Los Angeles. Akers also faces an additional charge for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
A third man, 33-year-old James Arthur Havlicheck, Jr., was charged with accessory after the fact, the D.A.’s Office said.
All three men are suspected gang members, police announced when they were arrested last week.
The charges stem from the March 20 killing of 37-year-old Yener Hudiel Ramirez-Miranda, a street corn vendor who had set up a stand on the 100 block of Eagle Avenue.
Details about the deadly shooting are limited, but Long Beach Police Department detectives suspect that Abdallah and Akers were firing at someone they believed to be a rival gang member.
Multiple rounds were fired in the direction of Ramirez-Miranda, who was hit by an errant bullet. He was rushed to a local hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.
The suspected gunmen allegedly fled to Havlicheck’s home and he “aided the defendants,” the D.A.’s Office said.
The three men are all being held without bail until at least Aug. 6 when a bail review hearing is scheduled.
If convicted, Abdallah and Akers face maximum sentences of 35 years to life in prison. Havlicheck faces a possible maximum sentence of six years in prison.
Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón called the killing of Yener Ramirez a “tragic and senseless murder,” adding that no one should have to fear for their lives while trying to make “an honest living.”
“Mr. Ramirez’s untimely death is a stark reminder of the violence that can shatter lives and devastate families,” Gascón said. “The suspects’ callous disregard for human life is unacceptable, and we will not tolerate such violence in our community.”
Yener, affectionately referred to by some as “the corn guy,” is survived by his wife, teen son and toddler daughter.
The case remains under investigation by the Long Beach Police Department and anyone with information is urged to contact detectives Michael Hubbard, Jesus Espinoza or Alfredo Chairez at 562-570-7244. Anonymous tips can be submitted online or by calling 800-222-8477.
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