On July 7, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed charges against a 40-year-old man for the 1996 murder of 26-year-old Long Beach resident Jorge Martinez, the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) announced Wednesday.

According to authorities, new information came to light while the man, Wayne Taufi, also known as “Big Fassi,” was in custody for related charges. He was then booked for murder.

The LBPD release states that Taufi was among several gang members who approached Martinez on the sidewalk on May 4, 1996 around 10:30PM. Taufi, 21 at the time, then shot Martinez and passed the gun to another gang member before fleeing the scene in a vehicle.

According to police, Martinez was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities noted they will continue to search for more information on the four other male subjects who were present when the murder occurred, identified by their street names “Wizard,” “Lil Boy,” “Fuzzy” and “Whisper.” 

Earlier this month, Long Beach homicide detectives approached the LA County District Attorney’s office for filing consideration, and Taufi was officially charged.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information regarding the incident or the individuals identified by their monikers is urged to contact the Long Beach Police Homicide Detectives Todd Johnson and Shea Robertson at 562.570.7244. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may call 1.800.222.TIPS (8477), or text TIPLA plus your tip to 274637 (CRIMES), or visit www.lacrimestoppers.org.

This article was updated at 5:08PM with additional information from the LBPD.