Two people charged with murder in shooting death of man in Long Beach

Two people have been charged with murder in the shooting death of a man on the median of a street in Long Beach in February, prosecutors said.

Robert Anthony Proano, 22, was walking with his girlfriend near the intersection of Artesia Boulevard and Myrtle Avenue in Long Beach on Feb. 10 when, authorities say, they were confronted by Joe Anthony Avila, 24, and Jonathan Isaiah Buckner, 17.

Avila asked Proano where he was from, and Buckner punched him in the face, authorities said. Prosecutors allege that while Proano was fighting back Avila pulled out a gun and fatally shot him.

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Avila and Buckner, who authorities said fled the scene, were arrested a month after the shooting.

Avila was charged Friday with one count of murder with the special allegation that he discharged a firearm to cause injury, Los Angeles County district attorney’s office. Buckner, who is to be tried as an adult, was also charged with murder.

The criminal complaint alleges that the shooting was carried out for a gang.

The defendants are each being held in lieu of bail set at $2 million. Avila faces 86 years to life if convicted. Buckner could receive 50 years to life.