Juan Arteaga Diaz, Nazario Ramirez Obituary, Death – A man has been formally charged in connection with a deadly triple shooting in the Lake Los Angeles area that left three people dead. Authorities say the case is still under investigation as prosecutors weigh the possibility of pursuing the harshest penalties allowed under California law.
Officials confirmed that 32-year-old Axel Trevino has been charged with three counts of murder, along with a special-circumstance allegation of multiple murders. Prosecutors also filed additional allegations stating that Trevino personally and intentionally discharged a firearm during the incident. These charges carry the potential for life in prison without parole or the death penalty, depending on how prosecutors proceed.
Trevino was arrested on Tuesday, two days after the shootings, which unfolded on Sunday around 4:45 p.m. in a remote desert stretch near 215th Street East and East Palmdale Boulevard. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies who responded to the scene discovered three people fatally shot inside two separate vehicles.
The victims were identified as 44-year-old Juan Arteaga Diaz, 54-year-old Nazario Ramirez, and 65-year-old Beverly Cassese. According to investigators, Trevino allegedly drove eastbound and pulled up alongside the first vehicle, where Arteaga Diaz and Ramirez were seated. He is accused of opening fire, striking both men multiple times. Afterward, investigators say he targeted Cassese, pulling his vehicle alongside hers before allegedly shooting her several times as well. Trevino then drove away, leaving all three victims dead at the scene.
Detectives have not yet disclosed a motive for the attack. At this time, it remains unclear whether the victims knew Trevino, if there was a dispute prior to the shootings, or if other circumstances led to the deadly encounter. Authorities stressed that the investigation is ongoing, and additional information may emerge as evidence is reviewed and witnesses are interviewed.
Trevino made his first court appearance on Thursday, where a judge ordered him held without bail. His formal arraignment is scheduled for September 4. Until then, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office will continue to review the evidence and decide whether to pursue the death penalty or seek a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The shootings have shaken the Lake Los Angeles community, an unincorporated desert area east of Palmdale. The remote setting of the crime scene has raised questions about whether the location was chosen intentionally. For now, residents are left unsettled by the violence while investigators continue working toward answers.
Law enforcement officials are asking the public for help as the case moves forward. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 323-890-5500. Those who prefer to remain anonymous can provide tips through Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or by visiting lacrimestoppers.org.
As Trevino awaits his next court date, the families of Arteaga Diaz, Ramirez, and Cassese are mourning their loved ones, left to grapple with the shock and grief of a sudden and violent loss.
