3 charged with murder in Sacramento mass shooting are eligible for death penalty

Exactly one month after a shooting in downtown Sacramento left six people dead, officials announced murder charges for three suspected gunmen. Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert said charges were filed Tuesday against Smiley Martin, his brother Dandrae Martin and Mtula Payton, who has not yet been arrested.

All three suspects are charged with the murder of bystanders Johntaya Alexander, Melinda Davis and Yamile Martinez. All charges were enhanced with use of a handgun in the commission of crimes. All three suspects allegedly used 9mm handguns, and Smiley allegedly used an automatic 9mm handgun with a high-capacity magazine.

All three men, who are convicted felons, also face charges for illegally possessing firearms. Smiley Martin and Mtula Payton had previously been arrested several times, while Dandrae Martin had been arrested once before.