LOS ANGELES — Five alleged gang members have been charged with the attempted murder and carjacking of a pregnant woman in Sunland, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced today.
Deputy District Attorney Adan Montalban of the Hardcore Gang Division said Christian Reyes, 20, Andrew Bran, 19, Jesus Morales 18, Christina Luna, 24, and Monica Gomez, 25, are expected to be arraigned today at Los Angeles County Superior Court, San Fernando Branch, Department S.
The suspects were charged today with one count each of willful, deliberate and premeditated attempted murder, carjacking, second-degree robbery and hit-and-run driving resulting in property damage, a misdemeanor. The criminal complaint includes an allegation that the offense was committed for the benefit of and at the direction of a criminal street gang.
Reyes, who also faces an allegation of personal use of a deadly and dangerous weapon, a knife, is additionally charged with one count of aggravated mayhem.
On March 20, around 6 p.m., the victim was parking her vehicle outside of her residence when Reyes, Bran and Morales allegedly ambushed and robbed her. Reyes is accused of stabbing the victim multiple times before the men fled in the victim’s car, colliding with other vehicles as they attempted to leave the scene. Luna and Gomez were nearby in a getaway vehicle, prosecutors said.
She is recovering from her injuries.
Bail for Reyes is recommended at $1.9 million and $1.4 million for the other defendants. If convicted as charged, the defendants face a possible maximum sentence of life in state prison.
The case remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department, Foothill Community Police Station.
