Five Gang Members Convicted of Killing Three Men and Injuring Nine Others at Halloween Party in Long Beach

Accident – Death – Obituary News : Title: Gang Members Convicted of Three Murders in Long Beach Halloween Shooting

Introduction:
In a landmark verdict, a jury has convicted five gang members of three counts of first-degree murder and nine counts of attempted murder for their involvement in a deadly shooting at a Halloween-themed house party in Long Beach. The incident, which occurred four years ago, resulted in the deaths of three individuals and left nine others injured. The defendants, Jeremy Penh, David Long, Kaylin Thik, Ryan Sim, and Grant Johnson, were found guilty of multiple charges, including special circumstance allegations and being active participants in a criminal street gang. The sentencing is scheduled for January 29.

Details of the Incident:
The trial, which lasted over a month, culminated in a five-hour deliberation by the jury before reaching a unanimous verdict. The courtroom was filled with relatives of both the defendants and the victims, along with Long Beach police detectives. The shooting took place at a house in the Rose Park neighborhood during a Halloween party organized to celebrate a birthday. Attendees were primarily coworkers from the Hollywood Park Casino and their friends and relatives. Tragically, none of the victims or attendees had any association with gangs, as confirmed by prosecutors.

The Perpetrators’ Plan:
According to prosecutors, the shooting was meticulously planned and carried out by a group of eight men, including the five on trial. They traveled in three SUVs from North Long Beach to the party location, believing that rival gang members would be present. The three shooters, identified as Long, Thik, and Sim, were dropped off by Penh in an alley behind the house. From an elevated position on a brick wall, the shooters fired at a crowd of approximately 30 people.

Motivation Behind the Shooting:
While Sim claimed to be the sole shooter during his testimony, the prosecution argued that the attack stemmed from a perceived gang slight. Penh, motivated by a video disrespecting his gang’s territory, declined the invitation to the party. However, during a conversation with a friend, he learned that rival gang members might be present. Penh and his associates gathered at an apartment complex, where plans for the shooting were discussed, including the roles each participant would play.

Challenges to the Prosecution:
Defense attorneys raised several objections during the trial. They argued that witness accounts did not align with the presence of three shooters, highlighting discrepancies in descriptions of the perpetrators. Independent witnesses claimed to have seen a Black man fleeing the scene, while the identified shooters were of Asian descent. Additionally, the defense attempted to discredit the testimony of Joshua Sam, a participant turned witness, citing his criminal history and a jailhouse call where he discussed rehearsing his statement with his attorney.

Evidence and Additional Charges:
Recorded jailhouse conversations between the defendants and undercover agents provided further incriminating evidence, including discussions about the gang monikers of the shooters and details of the operation. Although the three firearms used in the shooting were never recovered, evidence presented during the trial linked one of the guns to subsequent shootings. Prosecutors accused Penh of selling the weapons.

Plea Deals and Sentencing:
Prior to the trial, three individuals, including Sam, Christopher Williams, and Danny Sourn, accepted plea deals. Williams received a 19-year sentence, while Sourn, who was also involved in a separate murder case, was sentenced to 25 years to life. Sam’s plea agreement is contingent on the determination of his truthful testimony and may result in a 17-year sentence.

Conclusion:
The conviction of the five gang members brings a sense of closure to the devastating shooting at the Long Beach Halloween party. Families of the victims can now find solace in the justice served. The upcoming sentencing in January will determine the fate of the defendants, as they face severe penalties for their role in the tragic event..