Two Teens Are Charged For A Gang Related Murder

Two teenagers were arraigned today for the murder of a 13-year-old boy in a case that police say is linked to gang activity. Eighteen-year-old Christian Milward and nineteen-year-old James Carter appeared at the Larson Justice Center in Indio, just days after their arrest for the fatal shooting of Alan Martinez. Martinez was gunned down last week on the sidewalk near Mission Indian and Whispering Palms. The incident has shaken the Cathedral City community, and a vigil now stands where the young teen lost his life. Law enforcement has confirmed that this was a gang-related shooting—raising alarm over the age of both the suspects and the victim.

According to police, Alan Martinez was already affiliated with a gang by the age of 13. The department stresses that while gang-related crime is not widespread in the city, officers are well-trained to respond when it does happen.

Officials are now urging parents to be vigilant and engaged in their children’s lives, warning that youth are being pulled into violent gang activity at an increasingly early age.

With all evidence now in the hands of the District Attorney’s office, authorities say they are confident charges will move forward.