Gang Member To Appear In Court For Murder Today

INDIO – An 18-year-old reputed gang member accused of fatally shooting a man in the head outside a Desert Hot Springs supermarket is scheduled to be arraigned today.

Anthony Raymond Magdaleno was charged Monday with murder and a sentence- enhancing allegation of using a firearm in the Oct. 10 death of 45-year-old Chi- Lu “Tony” Chen at the Vons supermarket on Palm Drive in Desert Hot Springs.

His arraignment has been delayed twice because of an unspecified medical issue, but he is scheduled to appear in court today.

Magdaleno, a self-admitted member of the gang Varrio Hawaiian Gardens, was arrested last Wednesday night in Los Angeles County.

A witness told police that Chen was confronted in front of the store by the shooter, according to a declaration in support of an arrest warrant.

The witness said the victim and suspect began talking, and “it appeared to be an unpleasant conversation. However, they were not physically involved, nor did it appear to be anything protracted or violent,” according to Desert Hot Springs police Sgt. Dan Bressler, who prepared the document.

When Chen turned away and took a step toward the sliding door to enter the store, the suspect made a remark and Chen turned to respond, Bressler wrote.

As the victim turned, Magdaleno took a step toward the victim, raising his arm and pulling the trigger, the sergeant said.

A witness reported hearing the shot and seeing the muzzle flash before the gunman fled on foot toward a McDonald’s restaurant west of the supermarket, according to Bressler.

Police have not determined a motive for the slaying.

Magdaleno was identified as the shooter by several witnesses who said they came into contact with him as he fled.

Chen had recently moved to the Coachella Valley to work in sales and marketing at the Agua Caliente Hotel on Palm Drive, which is across the street from the supermarket.