Former Compton employee arraigned on murder charges

Former Compton city employee David Blake Jr. was arraigned this morning in a Downey courtroom.

Blake Jr. was not present in court but his attorney did appear on his behalf and entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.

According to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office his next court date will be June 13 for a pretrial hearing.

Blake Jr., 27, is charged with the May 25 killing of Julio Cardoza, who was shot following a fight in the 13200 block of Carfax Avenue.

A fight broke out at a Downey residence that resulted in the death of Julio Cardoza, 33.

Blake, who was in a car nearby, allegedly fatally shot Cardoza and then drove away, according to prosecutors.

Cardoza victim, who suffered multiple gunshot wounds, died that day at a hospital, according to records from the Los Angeles County coroner’s office.

Cardoza has been identified as the uncle of former Compton Councilman Isaac Galvan’s son.

“Isaac Galvan brought David Blake Jr. to his son’s grandmother’s home and was there for the entire encounter,” said Angel Nieto, who is a relative of the victim.

Galvan has not made any public statements on the matter and is currently fighting election fraud charges in connection to the Compton General Election held in June 2020.

Multiple claims have been filed with the city of Compton in relation to the death of Cardoza as it is alleged the shooting took place while Blake Jr. was at work.

The Compton City Clerk’s office has requested additional time to provide copies of the claims pursuant to the California Public Records Act.

Emilie St. John is a freelance journalist for 2UrbanGirls.com and the Los Angeles Wave newspaper.