Suspect In Northridge Mass Shooting Admitted Motive To Police: Report

NORTHRIDGE, CA — As the community grapples with the slaying of a man hired to paint over fresh gang graffiti outside a local ice cream shop Saturday, his alleged killer was charged with murder and four counts of attempted murder in connection with the mass shooting, authorities announced Tuesday.

Jamal Jackson, 24, of Panorma City, is set to be arraigned May 23 in a San Fernando courtroom on one count each of murder and possession of a firearm by a felon and four counts of attempted murder, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. The charges includes allegations that Jackson personally used a handgun and personally inflicted great bodily injury.

Police allege Jackson shot into the group of painters with a semiautomatic “Uzi”-style handgun because he was angry that they were painting over his graffiti. Painter Juan Lopez-Suarez died of gunshot wounds at a hospital a short time later, according to police. Three other men working alongside hi were shot, and two underwent surgery. All three are expected to survive.

Police said the victim, who was working alongside three other men when he was shot, was pronounced dead at a hospital a short time later. Three other men in the immediate vicinity were also struck by gunfire before the shooter got back into the sedan and sped away northbound on Vanalden, according to police.

Police said two of the shooting victims underwent surgery and the other was treated and released.

Jackson told police he and others tagged the wall earlier in the day and were angered to see it painted over, homicide Det. Gabe Bucknell told the Los Angeles Times.

Jackson — who was allegedly seen on video surveillance cameras painting graffiti on the building hours before the shooting — is accused of fatally shooting opez-Suarez and injuring several others Saturday outside a building in the 1900 block of Parthenia Street, according to the District Attorney's Office.

"Investigation later revealed that nearby surveillance footage showed Jackson exiting his vehicle, a white Toyota Camry, near the victims who were painting out gang graffiti on Vanalden Avenue, north of Parthenia Street," Los Angeles police said in a statement announcing Jackson's arrest. "Jackson approached the victims on foot and produced a handgun, firing at them multiple times."

In a statement announcing the charges, District Attorney George Gascón said, "This callous act of violence against a group of individuals showed a total disregard for human life. Juan Lopez-Suarez's death is tragic and senseless. My heart goes out to the victims and their families who are dealing with this tragedy."

The district attorney vowed that his office "will hold Mr. Jackson accountable for his brutal actions."

Jackson reportedly has a lengthy criminal history including previous arrests on domestic violence charges, illegal firearm possession and grand theft auto charges.

City News Service contributed to this report.