The Los Angeles County Attorney’s Office announced charges against the suspect on Monday killing a Metro passenger in Trade.
“This tragic and senseless shooting claimed the lives of a beloved husband and father who innocently sat on a Metro bus,” said District Attorney George Gascón. “This heartbreaking incident follows recent violent actions against innocent subway passengers and a driver.”
Prosecutors have charged 30-year-old Winston Apolinario Rivera with one count of murder, accompanied by a special charge of using a firearm in the commission of a felony. If found guilty, he faces a prison sentence of 35 years to life.
The fatal shooting occurred May 17 on a Metro bus in the 6200 block of Slauson Avenue. Rivera boarded the bus and sat behind Juan Luis Gomez-Ramirez. When the bus stopped, Rivera allegedly followed Gomez-Ramirez to the exit and shot him in the head, killing him instantly.
Prosecutors said he ran from the bus and hid under a train until officers from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department found him.
Rivera’s arraignment was scheduled for May 20.
