LONG BEACH - A Hawaiian Garden gang member, accused of killing a woman during a walk-up shooting, was arraigned Tuesday.Robert Rubio Jr., 53, pleaded not guilty to one count of murder, attemtped murder and possession of a firearm by a felon. Prosecutors said that on Dec. 17, Rubio reportedly walked up to a Long Beach residence and was greeted by Monica Barbosa and her male friend. Rubio allegedly pulled out a gun and shot Barbosa and the man. The woman died, while the male victim was treated for his injuries. Long Beach Police arrested Rubio a day after the attack. According to the felony complaint, Rubio has been convicted of other felonies: robbery in 1984, battery in 1992, and manufacturing, selling or possessing dangerous weapons in 2010. Rubio's bail was set at $4 million. His next court date is Feb. 28 for a preliminary hearing. A motive for the shooting was not known, but charges include special allegations that the crime was committed for the benefit of a criminal street gang.

********** Published: Jan. 23, 2014 - Volume 12 - Issue 41