Antonio Zaza, a 27-year-old resident of Monrovia, California, tragically lost his life on December 23, 2020. On that evening, Monrovia police received a call reporting gunshots at Al’s Liquors on West Duarte Road. Upon arrival, officers found Zaza lying on the floor with gunshot wounds. Despite efforts to save him, Zaza succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
The incident was a shock to the local community, as Zaza was known to be a peaceful individual with no known conflicts or criminal background.
The investigation into Zaza's death quickly led to the arrest of two suspects: Deon Armstrong-Williams and Trayvon Dixon. Armstrong, 25, and Dixon, 21, were identified as members of a local gang from Duarte. According to the District Attorney’s Office, the suspects approached Zaza outside the liquor store before Armstrong allegedly shot him. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, but it was suggested that Zaza might have been targeted due to a tattoo on his face, which could have been misinterpreted by the gang members.
Legal proceedings against the suspects moved swiftly. Armstrong was charged with murder and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. He was arraigned at Pasadena Superior Court and held on $2 million bail. Dixon faced a charge of murder and pleaded not guilty at his arraignment. He was held without bail due to a probation hold. The court proceedings revealed that Armstrong had a prior criminal record, including a robbery at gunpoint in 2018, which influenced the severity of his charges.
In August 2024, Armstrong was sentenced to over 60 years to life in state prison after being found guilty of first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a felon. The judge described the crime as cold and callous, highlighting Armstrong's pattern of criminal behavior. Dixon, who acted as a lookout during the shooting, was sentenced to 22 years in state prison after pleading no contest to voluntary manslaughter in 2022. The sentencing brought some closure to Zaza's family, although his mother expressed deep sorrow and disbelief over the senseless loss of her son.
