Murder Charges Filed in Robbery, Slaying of Grocer

Murder charges that could bring the death penalty were filed Monday against a man who was allegedly involved in the robbery and murder of a popular South-Central grocer, authorities said.

Pablo Hernandez, 31, was allegedly the driver of a getaway car after Chung-Bok Hong was gunned down outside her store Feb. 3, said Los Angeles Police Lt. John Dunkin. Hernandez was arrested Thursday.

He is charged with murder, robbery, attempted murder and a special circumstance allegation of committing murder during a robbery, said district attorney’s spokeswoman Sandi Gibbons. If he is convicted of the special circumstance count, Hernandez could be eligible for the death penalty.

Judge Kevin L. Brown told Hernandez on Monday that he is to appear in court March 8 to enter a plea so that a special attorney can be assigned to his case because of the special circumstance of which he is accused.

Hong’s slaying provoked outrage among the predominantly black and Latino neighborhood where Hong’s shop was located, at 54th Street and Van Ness Avenue.

Still at large is Juan Roman Carlos, 31, who allegedly shot Hong to death and wounded her son, Edward.