San Diego, California – Two men charged in a drive-by shooting that resulted in the death of a young woman and injuries to three others at a house party in La Jolla have recently pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and other charges. Odyssey Sellers Carrillo, 23, and Malik Joshua Campbell, 24, were arrested in connection with the tragic incident that took place on June 23, 2019, leading to the passing of 20-year-old Nina Silver and the injury of three individuals.
Authorities suspect gang-related motives for the shooting that occurred at 12:30 a.m. in an alley off Cuvier Street near Pearl Street, emphasizing that Silver was not the intended target of the attack. Originally facing murder charges and set to go to trial this week, both Carrillo and Campbell chose to enter guilty pleas on Monday. The District Attorney’s Office disclosed that Carrillo is anticipated to receive a 35-year prison sentence, while Campbell is likely to be sentenced to 24 years in prison, with their sentencing scheduled for July.
Reports from the San Diego police revealed that the shooting transpired when a light-colored sedan drove north in the alley, with an occupant firing multiple rounds at the victims, which included a football player preparing for the upcoming fall season at Riverside Community College. Carrillo, identified as the alleged shooter by prosecutors, was apprehended in July 2019 following a high-speed police chase, while Campbell was taken into custody two months later. Carrillo admitted to voluntary manslaughter, attempted murder, and two counts of assault with a semi-automatic firearm, while Campbell pleaded guilty to three assault counts.
The guilty pleas from both defendants bring a sense of closure to the tragic events from that fateful night in La Jolla, providing some semblance of justice for the victims and their loved ones. The upcoming sentencing in July will determine the fate of Carrillo and Campbell, shedding light on the consequences of their actions and the impact it had on the community. As the legal process unfolds, the memory of Nina Silver persists, serving as a reminder of the senseless violence that can arise from gang-related activities.