Convictions Handed Down in 2011 Shooting on Northgate

The crime scene outside American Spirit bar on March 12, 2011.

THE NATOMAS BUZZ | @natomasbuzz

Four men have been convicted of killing 19-year-old Rashad Alexander in a Natomas bar parking lot in 2011.

District Attorney Jan Scully announced Herbert Alvarez and Arlonzo Banks were convicted by jury of first-degree murder with firearm use enhancements. Darnell Williams was convicted of second-degree murder and a firearm use enhancement and Abdul Tanko was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and a firearm enhancement.

According to a press release issued by Scully’s office:

On March 11, 2011, a member of the Strawberry Manor Gangsta Bloods fired shots at a car owned by the victim, Alexander, a member of the Del Paso Heights Bloods. The car was being driven by his girlfriend at the time. The shooting at Alexander’s car was in retaliation for Alexander shooting outside a barbershop the week before. After the shooting, Alexander confronted two members of the Manors gang on Northgate Boulevard. Following that confrontation, Alexander went to the parking lot of the American Spirit bar.

Tanko was at the American Spirit bar with Alvarez and Banks, members of a North Richmond criminal street gang. They had planned to pick up Williams, who was also a member of the North Richmond criminal street gang, and return to the bar. The two Manors gang members involved in the confrontation with the victim went into the bar and informed Tanko what had occurred. Tanko left with Alvarez and Banks and picked up Williams. Upon their return to the bar, Tanko remained in the car while Alvarez, Banks, and Williams approached and confronted Alexander with guns and began shooting. Alexander was shot and killed and one of his friends returned fire, striking Williams three times. Everyone fled the scene after the shooting.

The defendants face a maximum sentence of life in prison. Sentencing is set for July 18 at 1:30 p.m. in Department 29 before the Honorable Timothy Frawley.

The crime scene outside American Spirit bar on March 12, 2011.