2 Charged With Murder In San Pablo Cellphone Theft Killing Case
SAN PABLO (CBS SF) - Two men accused of robbing and fatally shooting a 29-year-old San Pablo man Tuesday now face murder and second-degree robbery charges with gun enhancements, according to the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office.
Richmond resident Joseph Ellis, 27, and Kenneth Byrd, 22, of San Pablo were charged today and set to be arraigned in Richmond this afternoon for allegedly murdering Jaihro Lopez and stealing his cellphone early Tuesday morning, authorities said.
The pair allegedly shot Lopez in the 2300 block of El Portal Drive at about 2 a.m. Tuesday, according to police.
The shooting set off a ShotSpotter activation, sending officers to the scene immediately.
Lopez was found lying on the ground, suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police saw the two suspects running from the area and arrested them with the help of a police K-9, Sgt. Jose Barajas said.
Lopez did not know either of the suspects, whose only motive for the shooting was to rob him, the sergeant said.
Officers found two handguns and Lopez's cellphone near the scene of the shooting.
Both men are being held in the Martinez Detention Facility without bail.
A date has not yet been set for the pair's next court appearance.
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