David Amaro-Poblano, a 17-year-old honor student and varsity soccer player, tragically lost his life on February 22, 2019, in Gardena, California. David was riding with his mother and girlfriend to deliver invitations for his sister's ninth birthday party when the incident occurred. His mother parked outside a family friend's home, and after about ten minutes, David stepped out of the car to check on her.
As he walked towards the house, he was suddenly shot multiple times, including a fatal shot near his heart. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, David was pronounced dead at 7:35 p.m.
The investigation into David's death revealed that he was mistakenly targeted by gang members who believed he was a rival gang member. On May 30, 2019, authorities arrested Marcos Medina, a 20-year-old man, and a 17-year-old suspect, whose identity was not disclosed due to his age. Both suspects were charged with murder. Medina faced additional charges of using a handgun and participating in a criminal street gang, as well as being a felon in possession of a firearm. The underage suspect was also charged with homicide. The arrests were made possible through tips from the public and other investigative leads.
In June 2023, Marcos Medina was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 52 years to life in state prison. During the sentencing, Superior Court Judge Laura Ellison described the killing as a "cold-blooded" act and emphasized that Medina showed no remorse. The court noted that Medina had confessed to the crime, which played a significant role in his conviction. The appeals court later upheld Medina's conviction, rejecting his contention that no witness had positively identified him as the murderer.
David's death deeply affected his family, friends, and the community. He was remembered as a bright and promising student who had been accepted into multiple universities and planned to attend Cal State Dominguez Hills. David's principal and family members highlighted his academic achievements, community service, and dedication to his soccer team. The Gardena City Council approved a $15,000 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of those responsible for his death, reflecting the community's commitment to seeking justice for David.
