Brothers Charged In Car-To-Car Shooting That Left Girl, 7, Brain Dead
PALMDALE (CBSLA.com) — Two brothers were charged with murder Friday in connection with a car-to-car shooting in Palmdale that left a 7-year-old girl brain dead.
Jesus Alberto Peralta, 22, and 19-year-old Carlos Peralta, both of Palmdale, made their first court appearance but did not enter a plea. Their arraignment was continued to Sept. 20, at their attorney's request.
Both men were charged with one count each of willful, deliberate and premeditated murder in connection with the Sept. 4, shooting of Desirae Macias.
Macias was airlifted to Children's Hospital in Los Angeles and placed on life support. Despite reports that she died Thursday night, her family confirmed to CBS2 that she remains hospitalized.
The men also face three counts of attempted willful, deliberate and premeditated murder as well as one count each of shooting at an occupied car, according to prosecutors.
On Thursday, the Peralta brothers and third man, identified as 20-year-old Eduardo Diaz of Little Rock, were arrested. Prosecutors, however, declined to file charges against Diaz.
KNX 1070's Claudia Peschiutta reports the shooting reportedly followed an altercation between the three suspects and a family of six at a Mobil gas station.
Macias' mother's boyfriend reportedly got into an argument with the suspects, who allegedly chased the family into a residential area and began shooting at their vehicle.
Suspects ID'd In Shooting At Palmdale Gas Station
After evading the suspects, Macias' mother discovered her daughter was wounded and called for help.
Both suspects were being held on $8 million bail. The brothers each face a maximum prison term of 185 years to life in state prison, if convicted.
Macias' family has established an account at Wells Fargo for donations. The Account no. is 2345282319 with Routing no. 122000247. Also, the Good Times So. Cal Car & Bike Club has planned a car wash with proceeds going directly to support the victim's family. The car wash will be held on Sept. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Sammy's Restaurant at 44139 Sierra Highway in Lancaster.
