A security guard at a Southern California market is charged with murder after allegedly fighting with a customer who wasn’t wearing a face mask.
Umeir Corniche Hawkins shot 50-year-old Jerry Lewis on July 5, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said.
According to the reports, the two men began arguing when Lewis entered the market without wearing a face mask. Lewis then left the market but when he returned the two fought again and Hawkins fatally shot him as he walked away, prosecutors said.
A statewide order was issued by California’s governorlast month requiring people to wear face coverings while entering most indoor settings to prevent spread of coronavirus.
Hawkins is now charged with murder and possession of a handgun by a felon.
His wife, Sabrina Carter, also is charged with one count of possession of a handgun by a felon.
The two pleaded not guilty to the charges Wednesday. Hawkins is being held on $1 million bail and faces 50 years to life in prison if convicted. Carter’s bail was set at $35,000. She faces up to three years in prison.
