The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has filed a murder charge against the man who allegedly shot and killed another passenger on a Metro bus in Commerce on Thursday. Bailey Miller reports for the NBC4 News on May 20, 2024.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has filed a murder charge against the man who allegedly shot and killed another passenger on a Metro bus in Commerce on Thursday.
The LA County DA announced the man responsible, Winston Rivera, was charged with one count of murder.
According to the DA, Rivera, got on the bus and sat behind Juan Luis Gomez Ramirez. When the bus came to a stop, Rivera allegedly walked to the rear exit, stopped behind Gomez Ramirez, pointed a gun at his head and then shot and killed him.
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“This heartbreaking incident comes on the heels of recent violent acts targeting innocent Metro passengers and a driver. Such acts of violence are absolutely unacceptable, and we will hold accountable those who perpetrate these heinous crimes," a statement from the DA’s office said.
On Monday, the family of Gomez Ramirez spoke out.
Gomez Ramirez’s widow, Sarahi Varela, is heartbroken and in disbelief that her husband was taken from them.
Varela said her 32-year-old husband was a loving father to their 2-year-old son, Elliot. Gomez Ramirez was a middle school teacher and basketball coach in Puebla, Mexico.
The family was visiting their in-laws in Los Angeles on a tourist visa. They had planned to stay until July before they had to return.
The family trip took a heart-breaking turn on Thursday night when Gomez Ramirez was killed on his way home from his part time job in Commerce.
“He had just gotten on the bus, one stop before he died. Whatever transpired, transpired within a matter of minutes,” said Mario Acosta Jr, family attorney.
The family’s attorney said they are now pursuing a U Visa for the family. A U Visa can be applied for by those who are victims of certain crimes.
The attack was part of a string of violent crimes on Metro buses and trains and at stations.
Mayor Karen Bass, chair of the Metro board, said last week she ordered an immediate surge in law enforcement on Metro trains and buses following the recent spike in attacks on Los Angeles' transit system. That request was made Wednesday, she said.
A statement by Metro said it was saddened by the act of violence in Commerce.
"The tragic incident this afternoon aboard a Metro bus in the Commerce area exemplifies how violence is increasing in society overall and spilling into our local communities," Metro's statement read. "Metro is saddened by this incident and extends our deepest sympathies to the victim’s family. Metro thanks the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department for their quick apprehension of a person of interest."
The shooting comes hours after Bass held a press conference calling for a stronger law and safety enforcement presence on Metro. In a statement Thursday night, the mayor's office called the latest act of violence "unacceptable."
A motion to be introduced this week will increase daily planned deployment of public safety personnel on Metro, meaning a presence on buses and trains, Bass said. The motion also will establish a unified command system to coordinate efforts aimed at improving safety.
