Ruben Garcia Castillo, 16
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Ruben Garcia Castillo, 16, a Latino youth, was shot and killed by shopkeeper Soloman Berhane, 38, inside the Normandie Ranch Market in the 5300 block of South Normandie Avenue in LAPD’s 77th Street Division at about 2:30 p.m. Monday, June 11, police said. Garcia had walked into the market and surprised Berhane, who was absorbed in the task of counting money. Hearing Ruben’s voice, and believing that he was being robbed, Berhane grabbed his weapon from under the counter and fired, then ‘realized he had shot a longtime customer,’ said Det. Matt Mahoney of LAPD. Berhane called 911 and tried to give aid to Garcia, police said. Garcia died at the scene. Berhane, who neighbors said is of Jamaican extraction, was booked for manslaughter and later released on bail with possible charges pending.
(Right, Saul Garcia, the victim’s brother, was back at work the morning after the killing, making calls and arrangements between customers.)
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