SHARE

Gang Member Charged With 2000 Murder Of I-84 Motorist In Danbury

DANBURY, Conn. — A Danbury man was indicted on federal murder charges in the death of a motorist on I-84 in 2000 in a case of mistaken identity as part of a gang-related incident, the U.S. attorney for Connecticut announced.

U.S. Attorney for Connecticut Deirde Daly

U.S. Attorney for Connecticut Deirde Daly

Photo Credit: File

The three three-count indictment was returned Thursday, charging Alex Garcia, 37, with murder, assault and a firearms offense related to the Jan. 17, 2000, slaying of Mark Rebong in Danbury. 

At 11:02 p.m. Jan. 17, 2000, Mark Rebong was discovered in the driver’s seat of an idling vehicle near Exit 2 off I-84 in Danbury. He had had been shot once in the head and died. 

The indictment alleges that Garcia, who was then a member of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation (“Latin Kings”), murdered. Rebong in order to maintain or increase his position in the Latin Kings and for pecuniary gain. 

“In a tragic case of mistaken identity, Mark Rebong, who was neither a member of a gang nor engaged in any criminal activity, was shot and killed as he drove to work,” said U.S. Attorney Deirdre Daly. “I want to commend the dedicated law enforcement investigators for their relentless search for those responsible for this senseless murder. 

"Although over 15 years have passed, the law enforcement team never forgot Mark. We hope that this indictment brings his family some small measure of solace.” 

The indictment charges Garcia with the murder in aid of racketeering of Rebong. If convicted, Garcia faces either a mandatory sentence of life in prison or the death penalty, should the government seek the death penalty. 

The indictment also charges Garcia with assault resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering of Rebong. If convicted, he faces 20 years in prison. 

On the charge of use of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence resulting in Rebong’s death, Garcia faces either life in prison or the death penalty. 

Garcia is currently in custody serving an unrelated state prison sentence. 

The case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration New Haven District Office, the Danbury Police Department and the Connecticut State Police Western District Major Crime Squad, with assistance from the Connecticut Department of Correction and the Danbury State’s Attorney’s Office. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Lee Dayton. 

to follow Daily Voice Danbury and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE