David Blake Jr., son of Compton hip hop veteran Dj Quik, has been sentenced to 15 years to life in state prison for a fatal shooting.
The Crime and Investigation
In May 2022, 31-year-old Julio Moises Cardoza, Jr. Was fatally shot by Blake Jr. In Downey, California. Reports indicate the shooting occurred after a fight broke out between Cardoza and another man. Blake Jr., who was nearby, allegedly opened fire from a vehicle, striking Cardoza before fleeing the scene. Cardoza died at a hospital.
Blake Jr. Was arrested the day after the shooting.
Sentencing and Court Remarks
On Friday, February 27, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Laura Walton sentenced Blake Jr. To 15 years to life in state prison. The judge dismissed gun allegations that could have added 25 years to the sentence.
Judge Walton described the case as “an absolute tragedy” and noted that Blake Jr. Had no prior criminal record at the time of the offense. She stated that a “split-second decision” does not define a person’s character and indicated that Blake Jr. Would likely be paroled at some point.
Statements from Involved Parties
Blake Jr. Expressed remorse, stating he was “sorry for the role” he had in Cardoza’s death and that “my heart aches for the Cardozas.” He claimed he was “truly in fear for my life and believed I was going to die” after being asked to drive his boss, then-Compton City Councilman Isaac Galvan, to the Cardoza family home where a fight broke out.
Elida Cardoza, the victim’s mother, shared her grief, stating through a Spanish interpreter that her son “lost his life because of the actions of a man that didn’t care.” She described the pain of watching her son die in her arms.
The victim’s father stated that his family’s life has been “a living hell” since his son’s death.
DJ Quik expressed disappointment at not being present during the sentencing, stating, “The reality of all of this is that two families are irrevocably changed forever.”
Background
Prior to his arrest, Blake Jr. Performed as the rapper D. Blake. He appeared on DJ Quik’s 2014 album, The Midnight Life and released several solo records, including “Official,” “Rollin” (featuring Kinglife Herb), and “I Wanna Know (Remix)” featuring Dom Kennedy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the shooting?
According to reports, the shooting occurred after a fight broke out between Julio Moises Cardoza, Jr. And another man in Downey, California.
What was the original potential sentence for Blake Jr.?
Blake Jr. Initially faced a potential sentence of 40 years to life in state prison.
What role did Isaac Galvan play in the events?
Blake Jr. Was driving Isaac Galvan, then-Compton City Councilman, to the Cardoza family home when the fight broke out.
How might this case impact the families involved in the long term?
