The Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse in Downtown Long Beach. File photo.
The Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse in Downtown Long Beach. File photo.

A man charged in the fatal shooting of Downey teen in Long Beach appeared in court Monday but did not enter a plea.

Downey resident Edgar Miguel Espinoza, 18, appeared at the Long Beach Courthouse today, where he was ordered to be held without bail. His arraignment was postponed to September 14.

Espinoza and co-defendant Rueben Alexander Ortega, 19, of Lakewood, are charged with six felony counts each, including a special circumstance murder (committed during the commission of a robbery, carjacking, and kidnapping), kidnapping for carjacking, kidnapping to commit another crime, carjacking, second-degree robbery, and shooting at an occupied vehicle, according to Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office spokeswoman Sarah Ardalani.

Authorities found the body of 19-year-old Downey resident Nick Cubas at the San Gabriel River bike path in Long Beach the morning of August 4. Ortega was arrested the next day and Espinoza was arrested Thursday in San Diego for their alleged involvement, police said.

Ortega, who is also being held without bail, pleaded not guilty August 22 and is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing October 17, according to officials.

City News Service contributed to this report.


 

Stephanie Rivera is the community engagement editor. Reach her at [email protected] or on Twitter at @StephRivera88.