Yesterday brought some degree of closure to a tragic saga that has gripped Los Angeles County since last year. Gerardo Magallanes has been sentenced to over two decades behind bars for his role in the murder of an off-duty Monterey Park Police Officer, Gardiel Solorio. LA County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman underscored the severity of the crime, stating, “This sentence delivers justice and sends a clear message: Those who bring violence to our streets will be held fully accountable.” This quote was obtained by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office’s media team.
The incident, which took place in August 2022, saw Officer Solorio fatally shot in the parking lot of the Downey Landing Mall. Magallanes, although not the shooter, was implicated for providing the firearm used in the crime. According to details released by the District Attorney’s office, Magallanes pleaded no contest to voluntary manslaughter with gang and gun allegations, as well as unlawful possession of a firearm. The judgment was carried out by Superior Court Judge Joseph R. Porras, concluding the case with a sentence of 24 years and eight months in state prison.
Efforts by the Crimes Against Peace Officers Division of the DA’s office, particularly Deputy District Attorneys Geoffrey Lewin and Stephen Lonseth, were instrumental in securing this outcome. Solorio, who had recently joined the police force, was targeted abruptly after parking his black Dodge Charger. The prosecutors worked tirelessly to ensure that Magallanes would be held accountable for his actions…