California police are on the search for a 19-year-old suspect who allegedly shot and killed his two cousins on Nov. 2
Michael Mariano Jr., 19, fatally shot two brothers– 22-year-old Maliki Foust Jr. and 19-year-old Majarion Foust, in the parking lot of Walnut Ridge Apartment Complex located on the 3400 Block of South Sentous Avenue.
Surveillance footage showed Mariano approaching a vehicle and firing his gun before escaping. The camera captured the suspect shooting but not the victims. Police confirmed that a 21-year-old witnessed the horrific moment before managing to run to safety.
Press Release: UPDATE: Suspect Identified in West Covina Double Homicide
Footage of incident provided
•••#Information #PressRelease #Investigation #Community pic.twitter.com/7H0RsIfhKR
— West Covina Police (@WestCovinaPD) November 18, 2022
Mariano lived in the apartment complex, and the Foust brothers, according to police, were residing with Mariano at the time they were killed. The brothers were from Victorville.
While the motive for the killing is unknown, West Covina Police Department officials believe the Foust brothers were set up by their cousins.
“It certainly appears like it was an ambush,” Lt. Travis Tibbetts of the West Covina Police Department said during a press conference. “We have evidence to show or believe that it was premeditated and an ambush shooting. Something obviously occurred between Michael Mariano and Maliki, and Majarion. We don’t know exactly what that is, and as we continue to investigate and develop motives, that will certainly be coming out in the adjudication process in court.”
Investigators released a press release warning citizens that Mariano is “armed and dangerous” and shouldn’t be confronted.
“Mariano is known to frequent the Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernadino county areas,” the press release read.
Press Release: UPDATE: Suspect Identified in West Covina Double Homicide
Footage of incident provided
•••#Information #PressRelease #Investigation #Community pic.twitter.com/7H0RsIfhKR
— West Covina Police (@WestCovinaPD) November 18, 2022
Anyone with information about the shooting or Mariano’s whereabouts can anonymously leave their tip to LA County Crime Stoppers online or contact 1-800-222-8477. The West Covina Police Department can also be reached at 1-626-939-8688.
