David Adalberto Hernandez-Licona, a 25-year-old resident of Boyle Heights, was tragically killed on January 16, 2019, in Palmdale, California. Hernandez-Licona was one of four men shot on Rancho Center Drive at City Ranch Road, a remote and unlit area. The incident occurred around 11 p.m., and Hernandez-Licona, along with two other victims, Sean Cowen and Olukayode Owolabi, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The fourth victim survived but was seriously wounded and required specialized medical care. The cause of death for Hernandez-Licona was multiple gunshot wounds. The victims were found in the front seats of two vehicles, a Toyota Camry sedan and an Audi SUV, and were shot where they sat. No firearms were recovered at the scene, and the motive for the shooting remained unclear at the time.
The investigation into the murders revealed that the shooting was part of a bogus marijuana deal orchestrated by Jonathan Paul Misirli. Misirli set up the fake drug deal and then shot the four victims, taking a bag containing approximately $2,500 in cash and about $10,000 in jewelry. However, he missed a separate container with $15,000 in cash. Misirli was arrested about three and a half months later, after being found living in the park area surrounding the Griffith Park Observatory. He was charged with three counts of first-degree murder, one count of attempted murder, and robbery. The special circumstance allegations of murder during a robbery, murder while lying in wait, and multiple murders were also found true.
In October 2021, Misirli was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He testified in his own defense during the trial, which took place in Lancaster. Misirli's defense team appealed the conviction, arguing that the trial court erred in ordering him restrained during the trial. However, the appellate court panel rejected the appeal, stating that Misirli failed to provide evidence supporting his claim of error. The court noted that the record did not reveal the reason Misirli did not stand during the trial, and there was no court ruling that was erroneous.
The tragic death of David Adalberto Hernandez-Licona and the subsequent investigation and trial highlight the dangers associated with illicit activities and the severe consequences of violent crimes. The case remains a somber reminder of the impact of such incidents on the victims' families and the community.
