Doctors pronounced the child brain dead Thursday night, but the child remains on life support, according to prosecutors.
Deputy District Attorney Jonathan Chung of the Hardcore Gang Division said Jesus Alberto Peralta, 22 (dob 4/1/91), and Carlos Peralta, 19 (dob 11/22/93), both of Palmdale, are expected to be arraigned this afternoon in Department A1 of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Antelope Valley Branch.
The men are charged with one count each of willful, deliberate and premeditated murder and shooting at an occupied motor vehicle. The men additionally face three counts of attempted willful, deliberate and premeditated murder. The criminal case MA060719 includes gun and gang allegations.
The charges stem from an incident on Sept. 4 at a gas station in Palmdale during which the defendants issued a gang challenge to a male victim. Following a brief confrontation with the defendants, the victim left the scene with his girlfriend and her two children.
Prosecutors allege that the defendants got in a car, pursued the victims and fired several rounds at the vehicle containing the family. Victim Desiree Ybarra, 7, was shot in the head.
The case remains under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Bail for each defendant has been set at $8 million. If convicted as charged, the brothers each face a maximum prison sentence of 185 years to life.
Murder Charges Filed in Shooting of Palmdale Child, Now Brain Dead
