Silver Lake Trader Joe’s shooting suspect convicted on 40 counts, including attempted murder, but acquitted of murder charges.
A 36-year-old man has been convicted on multiple charges following a tragic incident that occurred at a Trader Joe’s store in Silver Lake. Gene Evin Atkins’ trial culminated on June 9, 2023, when a jury reached a verdict on dozens of charges, concluding that while he was not guilty of first-degree murder, he was guilty of 40 other offenses. These included attempted murder, assault with a semi-automatic weapon on a peace officer, and fleeing law enforcement while recklessly operating a vehicle.
The events of July 21, 2018, unfolded dramatically as Atkins shot at a 17-year-old girl and his 76-year-old grandmother in South Los Angeles, prior to fleeing in his grandmother’s Toyota Camry. As law enforcement pursued him, Atkins attempted to carjack another vehicle at gunpoint, firing at officers who refrained from returning fire until he crashed the vehicle into an electrical pole near the Trader Joe’s store.
In a further escalation, Atkins fled into the Trader Joe’s, where he reportedly demanded hostages form a “human shield” around him. Tragically, during the ensuing chaos, store employee Melyda “Mely” Corado, aged 27, was struck by a bullet fired by a police officer, leading to her death. Deputy District Attorney Ani Bailey informed jurors that Corado was inadvertently caught in the crossfire as she attempted to escape to safety. The case against Atkins was bolstered by testimony from his grandmother, who identified him as the shooter.
Although the jury deadlocked on a second-degree murder charge related to Corado’s death, they convicted Atkins of multiple other offenses, emphasizing the deliberate and violent choices he made during the incident. His defense attorney argued against the transfer of blame to Atkins for Corado’s death, suggesting that the response of law enforcement was excessive.
Following the tragic incident, Corado’s family filed a wrongful death suit against the city, resulting in a settlement of .5 million. The police officers involved stated that their use of force was justified in their attempts to neutralize a serious threat to public safety.
In light of the case, the sentiments expressed by Corado’s family resonated powerfully, as they sought to honor her memory while simultaneously advocating for improved accountability among law enforcement. This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of violence and highlights the complexities surrounding interactions between law enforcement and citizens in crisis situations.
As legal proceedings conclude, the focus remains on the aftermath of this tragedy and its implications for community safety, policing practices, and mental health considerations in the justice system.
