A California man whose violent crime spree ended in a deadly shootout outside a Trader Joe’s grocery store has been sentenced to more than 200 years to life in prison, bringing a long-awaited conclusion to a case that left a young store manager dead and dozens of shoppers terrified.
Gene Evin Atkins, 36, received the sentence Wednesday, October 14, for the July 2018 rampage in Los Angeles that resulted in the death of 27-year-old Melyda “Mely” Corado.
In an unusual twist, Atkins was convicted of murder even though the bullet that killed Corado was fired by a Los Angeles police officer.
Prosecutors successfully argued that Atkins was legally responsible for her death because his violent actions triggered the deadly confrontation.
The nightmare began July 21, 2018, when Atkins got into an argument with his 76-year-old grandmother at her South Los Angeles home.
Authorities said he shot his grandmother and his 17-year-old girlfriend before stealing his grandmother’s vehicle and fleeing with his injured girlfriend inside.
During the escape, Atkins attempted to carjack another driver at a gas station but was unsuccessful.
Police eventually located him, setting off a dangerous pursuit through Los Angeles that ended when Atkins crashed into a utility pole near a Trader Joe’s in the Silver Lake neighborhood.
He then jumped from the vehicle and opened fire on pursuing officers as he ran toward the grocery store.
Police returned fire, striking Atkins in the arm. But one of their bullets also hit Corado, an assistant store manager who was trying to leave the building.
The wounded employee managed to make her way back inside before collapsing near the manager’s desk.
Coworkers desperately pulled her outside so paramedics could provide emergency treatment, but she could not be saved.
Meanwhile, Atkins barricaded himself inside the store, trapping more than two dozen terrified shoppers and employees during a standoff that lasted over three hours.
Some customers escaped through windows and emergency exits as heavily armed officers surrounded the building.
Atkins eventually surrendered to police, ending the frightening ordeal.
The case would take more than eight years to reach its final sentencing.
In June 2026, a jury convicted Atkins of 40 felony counts, including attempted murder, assault with a semiautomatic firearm, attempted carjacking, mayhem, and 24 counts of falsely imprisoning hostages.
However, jurors acquitted him of first-degree murder and could not reach a unanimous verdict on the lesser charge of second-degree murder in Corado’s death.
Prosecutors pursued a second trial on that charge.
On August 18, another jury found Atkins guilty of second-degree murder, concluding that he was responsible for the fatal shooting despite not firing the bullet himself.
At Wednesday’s sentencing, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Lisa B. Lench ordered consecutive prison terms, emphasizing the number of victims and the separate crimes committed during the rampage.
The punishment effectively ensures Atkins will spend the remainder of his life behind bars.
Outside the courthouse, Corado’s father, Albert Corado, expressed the heartbreak that remains despite the conviction.
“The result doesn’t matter. My daughter is still not here,” he told reporters.
He said the tragedy had permanently changed his family and taken away someone they deeply loved.
The case also raised serious questions about police use of force.
Although prosecutors determined that the officers who exchanged gunfire with Atkins acted lawfully, Corado’s family filed a civil lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles and the officers involved.
In September 2024, the city agreed to a $9.5 million settlement with her family.
The settlement was separate from Atkins’ criminal prosecution and did not change the finding that the fatal bullet came from an officer’s weapon.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman maintained that Atkins’ actions were ultimately responsible for the tragedy.
“Melyda would still be alive if not for the defendant’s deadly and reckless actions,” Hochman said following the murder conviction.
For Corado’s loved ones, the lengthy sentence represents a measure of accountability after years of trials and legal proceedings.
