3 Charged in Beating Death in Park
Three Harbor Gateway men have been charged with murder for allegedly beating to death a reputed Torrance gang member who demanded beer from the trio at a local park, authorities said.
The Saturday night killing happened after three men drinking beer at Normandale Park in Harbor Gateway were approached by Gilbert Prado, 23, and another alleged gang member from Torrance, police said.
When the two men demanded beer from the trio, a fight began and Prado was fatally beaten, Lt. Larry Kallestad said. Police were notified of the attack, which took place about 10 p.m., by Prado’s unidentified companion, who fled during the fight but returned to find his friend beaten to death.
Ricard Mejia, 22, Javier Mendez, 24, and Dolores Acosta, 31, were charged with murder on Tuesday and are being held without bail, Deputy Dist. Atty. Joe Marcus said. They are not known gang members, Kallestad said.
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