On July 4, 2024, at approximately 11:54 p.m., 23-year-old Markel Benson-Braggs was fatally shot near the intersection of West 10th Street and West Street in Pittsburg, California. Responding officers from the Pittsburg Police Department found Benson-Braggs suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite immediate medical assistance, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
In the days following the incident, Pittsburg detectives identified multiple suspects involved in the shooting.
On July 12, 2024, two individuals, 27-year-old Rohney Stewart and 21-year-old Jaylaun Stewart, were apprehended at a residence in Rodeo. Subsequently, on July 31, 2024, with the collaboration of the Central County SWAT Team and the FBI, search warrants were executed at three different residences in Pittsburg. This operation led to the arrests of 26-year-old Israel Dezama, 21-year-old Maxamillion Holiday, and 21-year-old Abraham Gomez. Evidence pertinent to the investigation was also recovered during these operations.
The investigation revealed that the suspects had prior criminal records. For instance, Dezama had been arrested multiple times for offenses including possession of marijuana for sale and being an addict in possession of a firearm. Similarly, Holiday and Gomez had prior arrests related to firearm and narcotic offenses.
Benson-Braggs was a devoted father to his one-year-old son and was employed as a Labor Production Associate at Tesla. In the wake of his tragic death, his mother, Sharnita Benson, established a GoFundMe campaign to assist with funeral expenses. The community responded with support, reflecting the impact of his loss on family and friends.
The case has been presented to the Contra Costa County District Attorney for review and prosecution. The Pittsburg Police Department continues to encourage anyone with additional information related to the case to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in achieving justice for Benson-Braggs and his family.
