Two Teenagers Charged With Murder in Fatal Home Invasion
Authorities believe a shooting that killed a biomedical engineering student was a case of mistaken identity.
Two teenagers, aged 14 and 16, have been charged with murder in connection with the death of Marco Tapia, 23, who was fatally shot inside his Glen Alpine home on September 1. Police allege the incident was a gang-related shooting that targeted the wrong residence.
Detectives from Strike Force Gareno, established to investigate the shooting, executed search warrants at two homes in Fairfield on Wednesday. During these operations, the two boys were arrested and subsequently charged with murder, participating in a criminal group, contributing to criminal activity, possessing an unauthorized prohibited firearm, and two counts of driving a conveyance taken without the owner's consent. The 14-year-old also faces a charge of damaging property by fire or explosion.
Investigators will present evidence in court suggesting the teenagers allegedly staged vehicles and provided the weapon used in the shooting. Both youths have been denied bail and are scheduled to appear in children's court on Thursday.
Mr. Tapia was in bed when three masked individuals allegedly broke into his parents' home on Mount Sugarloaf Drive. He was shot in the neck and arm. Police have stated that Mr. Tapia had no known criminal associations, with his only interaction with law enforcement being for a minor traffic offense. Detectives are continuing to investigate the possibility of mistaken identity.
A third male suspect involved in the incident remains at large. Investigations by Strike Force Gareno are ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with information or footage related to organized criminal activity to contact Crime Stoppers.