Alleged Gang Member Arrested For Shooting Aspiring Rapper

LONG BEACH, CA – A suspect has been arrested in connection with the shooting death of an aspiring rapper over the weekend in Long Beach, police reported Tuesday. Drake Loza, 18, was arrested Monday afternoon, according to the Long Beach Police Department.

Loza, a documented gang member from Long Beach, is accused of murdering Long Beach resident Jonathan Sandoval-Aleman, 23, who was shot and killed about 11:30 p.m. Saturday across the street from his residence, police said.

Officers were dispatched to the area of Seventh Street and Orange Avenue in regards to a possible shooting and found Sandoval-Aleman suffering from gunshot wounds to his upper body. Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene.

Loza, who was arrested in the area of 10th Street and Orange Avenue, was booked at the Long Beach City jail and is being held on $2 million bail, police said.

Although investigators say Loza is a gang member, the motive for the shooting remains under investigation.

The victim, who performed under the name Johnny Hash, was the father of a 6-year-old daughter, according to the Long Beach Press-Telegram.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Emily Holland contributed to this report

Photo by Patch Staffer Renee Schiavone