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Rich White Teen Charged With Murder In Gang-Related Shooting Of A Black Man Out On Bail And Spotted At Dodgers Game

Many believe Cameron Terrell's "rare" early release highlights the inequalities in the bail system.

An 18-year-old white suspect who was charged with murder in connection with the gang-related killing of a Black man was released on bail and spotted at a World Series game with his affluent parents. 

Cameron Terrell faces one count of murder, two counts of premeditated attempted murder and enhancement allegations for the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Justin Alongino Holmes on Oct. 1. Despite belonging to the upscale, predominately white neighborhood of Palos Verdes Estate, Terrell belongs to a predominantly Black gang in Los Angeles, reported The Daily Breeze.

According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office complaint filed against him, Terrell allegedly drove the getaway car used after the shooting.

Police said Holmes and two friends were confronted by two gunmen in Terrell's gang who asked where they were from. During the exchange, one gunman fired multiple shots, hitting Holmes. Holmes' two friends managed to escape. 

The gunman then ran back to a car, which Terrell is accused of driving away. Holmes was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Holmes and his companions were not linked to gang activity, police said.

Terrell, arrested on Oct. 12, posted bail just a week later and was out in time to go to the Dodger’s game with his parents. Many believe his quick release from jail shows the disparities within the justice system.

Attorney John Raphling told LA Weekly “it is rare” for a suspect charged in connection with gang-related murder to roam free just days after an arrest.  

"Having bailed out, he will have so many advantages in fighting this case that the others presumably remaining in custody will not have," Raphling added. "It will be easier to meet with his attorney. He'll be able to show up in court in his own clothing. He'll be able to walk through the front door with jurors. His preparation will be less pressured. He'll be able to get a good night's sleep before court."

Journalist and political commentator Jasmyne Cannick says Terrell’s release exemplifies how differently the white upper class people in California are treated in terms of the law.

"The simple fact that, after being charged with murder and attempted murder, he could receive bail speaks volumes about the disparate treatment of Blacks and Latinos in similar situations," she told LA Weekly. "When white people are accused of murder they are given every benefit of the doubt and presumed innocent until a jury says otherwise. Cameron Terrell, like any other Black or Latino person charged with murder, should be in jail without the benefit of bail. Period."

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