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LA Man Found Guilty in 2018 Trader Joe's Shootout Death
19 Aug
Summary
- Gene Atkins convicted of second-degree murder for 2018 death.
- Shootout lasted over three hours with hostages taken.
- Victim's family received $9.5 million civil settlement.
After an eight-year wait, 36-year-old Gene Evin Atkins has been found guilty of second-degree murder in connection with the death of Melyda Corado. Corado, 27, was fatally shot during a shootout that ensued after Atkins fled from an altercation with his grandmother on July 21, 2018.
The pursuit led Atkins to a Los Angeles Trader Joe's, where he crashed his vehicle and entered the store, firing at police. The standoff lasted over three hours, during which Atkins held more than two dozen shoppers hostage before his arrest. He was convicted following a retrial after the first jury was deadlocked.
In addition to the murder conviction, Atkins was found guilty of multiple other offenses, including attempted murder and assault. He faces a potential life sentence and is scheduled for sentencing on August 24. Corado's family was awarded a $9.5 million settlement in a civil suit against the city and two LAPD officers.
