> ## 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. # Still waiting on justice - URL: https://www.smdp.com/still-waiting-on-justice/ - Published: 2006-04-20T15:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-23T17:38:15.000Z - Author: Carolyn Sackariason - Tags: Crime, Downtown, #archive-import *DA says Juarez case still under review* DOWNTOWN LA — Capital murder charges have yet to be filed against the two imprisoned gang members who are accused of randomly killing two men in Santa Monica nearly eight years ago. Santa Monica Police detectives filed their cases against David Robles and Jessie Garcia, both 29, with the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office last Friday, but formal charges have not been levied, said DA spokeswoman Jane Robison. “The case is still under review, but it will be filed shortly,” she said. Robles and Garcia, cousins and noted gang members, are alleged to have fatally shot Michael Juarez, 27, and Anthony Juarez, 19, on Oct. 27, 1998\. The Juarez brothers were visiting their cousin’s business, Westside Clothing on Lincoln Boulevard, when masked gunmen stormed into the store and fired numerous rounds from an assault rifle and pair of handguns. Robles and Garcia are expected to face two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances; two counts of attempted murder; four counts of personal use of a firearm; four counts of participating in a street gang and committing the crime in furtherance of the gang. They are both currently serving time in state prison. Robles, also known as “Puppet,” is currently serving an eight-year sentence in Corcoran State Prison. He was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in February 2001\. Garcia, also known as “Psycho,” was convicted of carjacking and assault with a deadly weapon with a firearm causing great bodily injury in May 1999\. He is currently in Ironwood State Prison. Robles’ criminal past includes attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon and weapons violations. Garcia’s criminal past includes burglary, auto theft and narcotics violations. Evidence recovered at the crime scene was processed with current DNA technology. The DNA evidence was sent to the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Forensics Services DNA Laboratory and entered into their databank of known offenders. The samples submitted were matched with Robles and Garcia, according to SMPD Lt. Frank Fabrega. Once the DA’s office files the pending charges, Robles and Garcia would then be taken to the Santa Monica Jail, where they would be booked and then arraigned in Los Angeles Superior Court, at which time they would enter their pleas. The charges could be filed this week or early next week, Robison said. Meanwhile, the victims’ father is anxious to see justice. Bill Juarez has been waiting for movement on the case for seven and a half years. “I’m glad this part of the story is over and I’m waiting for the other half of the book,” he said. “The sooner the better.” > “I’m glad this part of the story is over and I’m waiting for the other half of the book. The sooner the better.” — BILL JUAREZ Victim’s father Juarez said he’ll attend the court proceedings and the trial despite how emotionally difficult it might be. “Forgiveness is mine to give because of God,” he said. “What I hope is that he forgives and their families get some relief... Maybe these guys have turned out to be role models and anybody who follows in their path, that is where they are going to be.” Juarez has relied on his family for strength, which includes eight children and seven grandchildren. They gathered this past Easter to celebrate the break in the case and finding some sense of closure, at least with this chapter in their nightmare. “I take nothing for granted at this point,” he said. “Whatever time I have to spend with those I love, I will. I’m not taking that chance.” Juarez, who lives in Cayucos, Calif., said it’s been difficult over the years because each time a conversation ensues on the street with someone he knows, the issue of his murdered sons and the unsolved case becomes a topic. “It always made me think that maybe (the police) aren’t doing enough,” said Juarez, adding he is grateful for the SMPD’s diligent work and ongoing investigation. SMPD Chief James T. Butts Jr. and Mayor Bob Holbrook called Juarez on Friday to relay the news to him. “I didn’t hear a lot because my mind kept saying ‘they caught them,’” Juarez said. “(Butts and Holbrook) promised to be with the case since the beginning.” It hasn’t been easy for the Juarez family, but it appears that they have moved on with their lives since losing Michael and Anthony. Michael Juarez’s daughter, who was 3 years old at the time of her father’s death, is now 10 and excelling in school and her piano playing despite having little stability. Her mother, Michael Juarez’s wife, turned to drugs and has been in and out of jail since his death, according to Bill Juarez. But now, she has graduated from cosmetology school and is doing well, he added. Living in his father’s triplex in Cayucos with his wife and daughter at the time of the shooting, Michael Juarez owned and operated a landscaping business. His younger brother Anthony lived next door with his girlfriend and was going to college with the hopes of earning a degree in business administration and landscape architecture. His plan was to help Michael Juarez run the landscaping business. In light of the break in the case, Bill Juarez still wishes that someone who knew those responsible for his sons’ deaths would have come forward over the years. “Those people should have done something,” he said. “They couldn’t find it in their heart to come forward to help ease the pain.” *Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on April 20, 2006.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/042006.pdf?ref=smdp.com)