OXNARD : Man, 19, Charged in Gang-Related Killing
A 19-year-old Oxnard man was formally charged with murder Tuesday in the March 19 slaying of a rival gang member in front of a local convenience store.
Robert B. Truitt is accused of shooting Manuel Albis, 21, of Oxnard after the pair exchanged gang signs near Dorija’s Market on Channel Islands Boulevard in Oxnard, Deputy Dist. Atty. Donald C. Glynn said.
Albis was standing with a group of young men behind the market when he recognized Truitt on the other side of El Dorado Avenue, Glynn said.
The men, members of rival street gangs, flashed signs at each other. Then Truitt allegedly ran across the street, fired several shots at Albis and fled, Glynn said. Albis was pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses identified Truitt in a photo lineup, leading Oxnard police to issue a warrant for his arrest last week.
Truitt phoned Oxnard Police Officer Mike Williamson on Monday and later surrendered to him in the parking lot of a Camarillo drive-in restaurant.
Truitt is being held in lieu of $250,000 bail at Ventura County Jail. An arraignment hearing is set for 9 a.m. next Tuesday.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
