A 29-year-old San Rafael man was critically wounded in an argument that erupted in fatal gun fire in front of a Richmond restaurant on Saturday, according to Richmond police Capt. Mark Gagan.
Richmond police responded to gun shots at 24th Street and Exchange Place at approximately 9:56 p.m. July 23, Gagan said.
Upon their arrival, officers found two men suffering from gun shot wounds. Alejandro Avila, Jr., a 19-year-old from Richmond, and his San Rafael companion were transported to John Muir Medical Center.
Avila was declared dead at the hospital, according to the Contra Costa County Coroner’s office. The San Rafael man was expected to survive.
Richmond police are not releasing the name of the other victim. The incident began over a disagreement at Plaza Garibaldi on 23rd Street, when the patrons took their argument outside, according to reports.
Although Richmond police are investigating possible gang ties to a San Rafael street gang, there is no motive to suggest the shooting was gang-related, Gagan said.
The city of Richmond has investigated nine homicides in July alone, and a total of 21 this year.
