Norman David Benavidez, a 41-year-old resident of Montebello, California, died on July 13, 2015, after being in a vegetative state for over a year due to severe injuries sustained during a violent home invasion on February 4, 2014. The incident occurred at his apartment, where Benavidez, who was involved in drug dealing, was targeted by one of his clients, Aaron Salvador Gallardo, along with Gallardo's stepfather, Paul Montanez, and a friend, Miguel Enrique Marques.
The trio had planned to rob Benavidez of drugs during a pre-arranged meeting.
On the morning of the attack, Gallardo, Montanez, and Marques were invited into Benavidez's apartment under the pretense of purchasing drugs. During the exchange, Montanez attempted to strangle Benavidez, leading to a struggle. Gallardo then shot Benavidez in the chest and leg. As the altercation moved to the kitchen, Marques, who had brought zip ties, left the apartment and waited in the vehicle. Montanez continued the assault by stabbing Benavidez in the chest with a steak knife and repeatedly stomping on his head. The attackers fled the scene, leaving Benavidez critically injured.
Benavidez's housemate, who witnessed the attack, called the police, leading to the prompt arrival of law enforcement. The housemate also provided crucial information that helped identify the assailants. Gallardo and Marques were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder the same day, while Montanez was apprehended the following day. Benavidez was taken to Los Angeles County Medical Center, where he was unable to speak or move due to the severity of his injuries. He communicated with investigators through eye movements and grunts.
Despite medical efforts, Benavidez's condition deteriorated, and he was eventually moved to hospice care, where he succumbed to an infection that developed from complications related to his gunshot wounds. Following his death, the charges against Gallardo, Montanez, and Marques were upgraded from attempted murder to murder. They also faced additional charges of robbery. The case proceeded through the legal system, with the three men scheduled to return to court in March 2016 for further proceedings.
