Two young males and a teenage girl are among the murderers of Merlin Santana. Fans all throughout the globe are still troubled by the terrifying night of November 2002.
Merlin Santana, a deceased American actor, model, and rapper, was just 26 years old when he was cruelly killed in 2002.
The Cosby Show’s Stanley, The Steve Harvey Show’s Romeo Santana, Marcus Henry in Under One Roof, and Getting By’s Marcus Dixon were some of the notable roles Merlin played in the early 1990s.
The gifted actor received nominations for several honors, including the ALMA Awards and NAACP Image Awards.
Damien Andre Gates and Brandon Douglas Bynes are the Merlin Santana Killer
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On November 9, 2002, a gunman shot and killed Merlin Santana in Los Angeles. Damien Andre Gates, age 21, and Brandon Douglas Bynes, age 25, are among those responsible for his murder.
With his actor buddy Brandon Adams, Merlin was in a vehicle. The two had just left the Crenshaw District residence of a friend.
Merlin was instantaneously killed when the culprit, Damien, fired a shot that entered the car via the trunk and struck Merlin’s skull.
On November 18, 2002, as astonishment and condolences poured in, Merlin was laid to rest at Saint Raymond’s Cemetery in the Bronx, New York City.
His companion made it through, took off, and stopped a police cruiser. Shortly after they came, police detained Damien, Brandon, and Monique King, a teenager, along with the other accused.
Damien Andre Gates and Brandon Douglas Bynes: Where Are They Now?
Brandon Douglas Bynes and Damien Andre Gates are presently incarcerated and serving their sentences. The former is serving a life sentence, whilst the latter will probably be released by 2026.
Damien Andre Gates was found guilty in 2003 of murdering Merlin in the first degree and attempting to kill Brandon. He received three consecutive life sentences and 70 years in jail as a result.
There were others besides Damien. Brandon Douglas Bynes, a suspect who was present when Damien was shot and who also admitted guilt to assault with a dangerous weapon and voluntary manslaughter, was given a 23-year term.
American actor Brandon Quintin Adams, the survivor, is well-known for his work in the movies Mighty Ducks, The Sandlot, and Polly. Additionally, he had roles in Michael Jackson’s Moonwalker, A Different World, Boy Meets World, Quantum Leap, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
With just one narration part in the 2021 movie The Resort, he has been somewhat quiet since the tragedy.
As of July 2023, Adams will be 43 years old. He hails from the American city of Topeka, Kansas.
Assisting in the murder of Merlin Santana was Monique King
Soon after Santana’s murder, three persons were taken into custody. Damien Andre Gates, Brandon Douglas Bynes, and Monique King were all charged as well.
Monique King, who was 15 and allegedly the girlfriend of shooter Damien, was cited by LAPD prosecutors as having made a false allegation that Merlin had made sexual overtures toward her.
They said that Monique had spent the night of the murder at a neighboring house with Merlin and his companion. The girl departed and later met Damien and Brandon outside the house.
The assault was sparked by her claim. Thus, in January 2004, Monique was declared guilty of second-degree murder and attempted murder.
She was given 10 years in juvenile detention despite being innocent of two murder counts due to her young age. She most likely served her time and is now free to live a normal life.
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