A Los Angeles man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison for the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old boy in Long Beach in 2022. The incident, which took place in the Carmelitos Housing Project, involved a dispute over an iPhone sale.
Manslaughter Conviction for Jose Bustamante Cardenas
Jose Bustamante Cardenas, 24, was convicted of manslaughter in August 2024 for the shooting death of Joshua Simmons. The fatal incident occurred in April 2022, when Simmons attempted to run off with Cardenas’ iPhone during a planned purchase. In response, Cardenas opened fire, fatally injuring the teen.
Jury Reduces Charge to Manslaughter
Originally facing a murder charge, Cardenas’ case was reduced to manslaughter. The jury found that Cardenas was provoked into the act, leading to the downgraded charge. The trial revealed that Simmons was not armed at the time, nor did he have the money to buy the phone.
Long Beach Community Reacts
The sentencing concludes a case that has impacted the Long Beach community, raising concerns about safety and justice within the Carmelitos Housing Project. The decision reflects the jury’s recognition of provocation but underscores the consequences of resorting to lethal force.
