The man accused of shooting and killing Culver City Bus driver Bruce Rodriguez has been charged with murder and could face life in prison without the possibility of parole, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced Wednesday.
Rodriguez drove a Culver CityBus for 12 years and was known for handing out Hot Wheels cars to his youngest passengers. He is survived by his wife, Sandy Sanchez, and two sons, one 3-year-old and one 6-month-old. He was shot and killed at the wheel on Oct. 1.
Hundreds gathered Saturday night for a vigil in his honor.
Jose Antonio Zayas, 55, is charged with one count of murder with the special circumstance allegation of murder of transportation personnel, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
If convicted as charged, Zayas faces up to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Prosecutors said Zayas boarded the bus around 5 p.m. on Oct. 1 and later approached Rodriguez, asking him to stop so he could get off. Rodriguez was unable to stop because of heavy traffic and the position of the bus on South Centinela Avenue, according to the District Attorney's Office. Hochman said Zayas then fired a handgun at Rodriguez multiple times.
Zayas then allegedly took his bicycle from the rack on the front of the bus and fled.
Gabe Kaplan
Witnesses to the scene were interviewed by the Daily Press in the immediate aftermath of the shooting.
Zayas was arrested the next afternoon in the 3600 block of Motor Avenue, police said. Police have said they believe he was intoxicated at the time of the shooting.
Culver City Manager Odis Jones called the charges "an important step toward accountability and justice." The city suspended bus service over the weekend so employees could grieve.
The family's GoFundMe has raised more than $150,000 toward a $200,000 goal. Donations can be made at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/honor-bruce-rodriguez-and-support-his-young-family