Teen-Ager Is Charged in Gas Station Slaying

WESTMINSTER —  Prosecutors filed murder charges Friday against a reputed gang member suspected in the shooting death of a gas station attendant during a robbery.

If convicted, Oscar Lemus, 19, of Long Beach would be eligible for the death penalty, Deputy Dist. Atty. Vickie Hix said.

A 14-year-old boy, who police said made incriminating statements that link both teen-agers to the slaying, has not been formally charged. Hix said prosecutors plan to use a new law in an attempt to try him as an adult.

Danette Garrett of Long Beach was shot to death March 12 during a robbery at an Arco station at 490 Pacific Coast Highway in Seal Beach, police said. Detectives said they have not confirmed whether Garrett may have met the pair before the killing. However, there were no signs of forced entry during the robbery.

Garrett had moved back to Southern California from Florida to recover from an abusive marriage that ended with her moving into a shelter for battered women, police and relatives said.

At the time of her death, Garrett had been working two jobs, one at the gas station and another at a Jack-in-the-Box restaurant down the block, so she could earn enough money to move into her own apartment, friends said.

Lemus was arrested late Wednesday at his home. The 14-year-old, who was not identified because of his age, was being held in Los Angeles County on an unrelated charge. Both suspects have been identified by police as gang members.

Charges filed against Lemus include murder during a robbery, robbery, and committing a crime in furtherance of gang activity, Hix said, adding that she planned to file the same charges against the 14-year-old.

Lemus’ arraignment was postponed until April 28.