> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Teen charged with 2003 Santa Monica murder of Jalonnie Carter faces May 11 hearing - URL: https://www.smdp.com/prosecutors-to-make-case-against-teen-murder-suspect-in-preliminary-hearing-at-airport-courthouse/ - Published: 2005-04-19T15:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-23T06:41:09.000Z - Author: Ryan Hyatt - Tags: Crime, Santa Monica Airport, #archive-import *Cops recover weapon used in teen’s murder* LAX COURTHOUSE — Prosecutors will be present evidence on May 11 against a Santa Monica teenager accused of killing Jalonnie Carter, another local youth who was fatally shot in 2003. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office on April 7 charged Matthew Felix Vargas, 17, with first-degree murder and special allegations that include one count of personal use of a firearm causing bodily injury, two counts of the intentional discharge of a firearm and one count of gang enhancement that contributed to the furtherance of gang activity. Vargas, who authorities say is also known as “Lil Rooster,” was arrested April 7 by Santa Monica Police detectives at a juvenile detention facility in Sylmar, where he is serving time for an unknown crime. Because he’s a minor, authorities couldn’t discuss for what crime Vargas was being detained. Vargas’ mother, Belinda Ramos, also declined to say what her son was convicted of, except to say he is innocent. He has been at the juvenile detention center since December. Vargas pleaded not guilty last week. He was represented by a private attorney who Ramos said has been working with Vargas for four years on various crimes he’s been charged with. According to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office, Vargas is being tried as an adult because of the evidence prosecutors have to support their case, making his identity available to the public. He will be 18 years old on April 28. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Paula A. Mabrey will determine at the May 11 preliminary hearing at Airport Courthouse whether or not there is sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial. It’s too early in the proceedings for a deputy district attorney to be assigned to the case, said DA spokeswoman Jane Robison. Santa Monica Police Chief James Butts, Jr. told the Daily Press earlier this month that detectives have recovered the murder weapon, but declined to provide further information on what other evidence will be brought against Vargas. Vargas, who lives in the Pico neighborhood, is allegedly a member of the Santa Monica 17th Street Gang, Butts said. The 17th Street Gang, comprised primarily of Latinos, is frequently at odds with another city gang, the Graveyard Crips, which is predominantly black. The Pico neighborhood is located on the east-side of Santa Monica. Vargas is described by family and friends as respectful and mild-mannered. Carter, 19, was shot in the back with a.22-caliber gun in the 1800 block of 20th Street while he was walking through an alley on Sept. 2, 2003\. The bullet pierced his heart and he died a few hours later at a local hospital. Shortly after, police arrested a neighbor in connection with the murder, but the DA’s office dropped the charges due to a lack of evidence. Carter, who authorities said was known by friends and family as “Little Bear” and “Pooh Bear,” was described as a hard-working young man who was studying for a career in computers while working two jobs. Carter’s parents were unavailable for comment on Vargas’ arrest. *Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 19, 2005.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/041905.pdf?ref=smdp.com)