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Gang Member Charged in 2012 Murder Of Venice Youth Pastor

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A reputed gang member has been charged in the 2012 murder of a Venice youth pastor.

Hopeton Parsley, 23, was arrested Thursday in the fatal shooting of Oscar Duncan on June 4, 2012, the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office said.

Duncan was in front of a residence with his girlfriend when a white, older-model car with several male occupants pulled up in the 600 block of Santa Clara Avenue around 10:30 p.m.

"There was an exchange of words and one shot was fired, striking the victim," said LAPD Lt. Marco Munoz of the Pacific Station.

Parsley, along with Kevin Green, 29, and 18-year-old Nichole Sheran are accused of being in the vehicle at the time of the shooting. All three are charged with one count of murder with gun use and street gang allegations.

Green and Sheran have both pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutors say Parsley was the triggerman. He will be arraigned Friday afternoon in a Los Angeles Superior Court. Prosecutors will ask the judge to set bail at $2 million.

If convicted, Parsley faces 50 years to life in prison.

Duncan, who grew up in Venice, was a youth minister with the Boys and Girls Club of Venice and also worked with Takeover Youth Ministry in Inglewood.

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