LOS ANGELES — Three Oakland men will stand trial in connection with the fatal attempted robbery of Los Angeles fitness entrepreneur and social media influencer Miguel Aguilar, after a judge ruled there is enough evidence to move forward with murder, robbery and assault charges. A fourth alleged member of the robbery crew died shortly after the incident from a gunshot wound sustained during the confrontation.
The case stems from a Sept. 13, 2024, attempted armed robbery outside Aguilar’s Bel-Air home that prosecutors say was part of a robbery spree carried out by a group that traveled from Oakland to Los Angeles with the intention of targeting victims for expensive jewelry.
Prosecutors Say Robbery Crew Traveled to Los Angeles to Commit Crimes
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the suspects were identified as Jason Melara, Mario Melara, Daymonee Johnson, and Mahki Taylor.
During a preliminary hearing held on July 7, prosecutors argued that the four men drove from Oakland to Los Angeles for the “express purpose” of committing robberies. Authorities also alleged the group had robbed another victim of a diamond bracelet and necklace just one day before the shooting involving Aguilar.
Following the hearing, a judge ruled that the three surviving defendants would stand trial on multiple felony charges, including murder, robbery and assault.
Fitness Influencer Was Followed Home After Lunch
Investigators said the incident began after Miguel Aguilar, 43, founder of the Self Made Training Facility gym chain, and his wife finished lunch at Bossa Nova restaurant in West Hollywood.
The couple left in Aguilar’s restored 1959 Chevrolet Impala, unaware they were allegedly being followed by a gray Acura sedan carrying the four suspects.
Surveillance video from a nearby residence later captured the Acura following the couple into the 11400 block of Thurston Circle in Bel-Air, where they lived.
According to investigators, the suspects waited until Aguilar pulled into his driveway before launching the attempted robbery.
Armed Confrontation Turned Deadly
Aguilar’s wife later told detectives that four or five masked men rushed into the driveway and demanded that the couple hand over their watches.
According to testimony from LAPD Detective Frank Flores, Aguilar possessed a valid concealed carry permit and drew his handgun during the confrontation.
His wife told investigators she was uncertain who fired first. Detective Flores testified that Aguilar managed to fire one shot before he was struck in the neck by gunfire.
The attackers immediately fled the scene after the shooting.
Aguilar was rushed to a hospital, where he fought for his life for more than three months before dying from his injuries on Dec. 21, 2024.
One Suspect Died After Escape Attempt
Evidence presented during the preliminary hearing showed that the suspects attempted to flee in the gray Acura after the shooting.
Authorities said the vehicle later ran a red light in Culver City before crashing into another vehicle near a hospital parking lot.
Investigators alleged that two members of the group carried Mario Melara, who had suffered a gunshot wound to the back, into the hospital’s emergency department before fleeing the area on foot.
Mario Melara was later pronounced dead.
A month after the incident, detectives arrested Jason Melara, Daymonee Johnson, and Mahki Taylor in Oakland.
Prosecutors Filed Murder Charges for Both Deaths
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office charged the three surviving defendants not only with the murder of Miguel Aguilar but also with the death of Mario Melara.
Prosecutors argue that under California’s felony murder law, participants in a dangerous felony such as armed robbery can be held criminally responsible for deaths that occur during the commission of the crime, including the death of a co-defendant under certain legal circumstances.
As a result, the defendants now face murder charges connected to both fatalities arising from the attempted robbery.
Defense Argued Murder Charges Should Be Dropped
During Tuesday’s hearing, an attorney representing Jason Melara argued that the murder charges against his client should be dismissed.
The defense maintained there was no evidence showing Jason Melara personally pointed a firearm at Aguilar or fired the fatal shot.
According to testimony referenced during the hearing, defendant Mahki Taylor allegedly told a police informant while housed in the Berkeley City Jail that he fired the shot that struck Aguilar, claiming he did so only after the group came under gunfire.
Despite those arguments, the judge determined prosecutors had presented sufficient evidence to allow the case to proceed to trial.
Miguel Aguilar Remembered for Inspiring Others
Before his death, Miguel Aguilar had built a large following on social media by sharing his personal story of overcoming poverty, addiction and hardship before becoming a successful entrepreneur.
He founded the Self Made Training Facility gym chain, which expanded across multiple locations and became well known within the fitness industry.
Supporters have continued to remember Aguilar not only for his business success but also for his efforts to motivate others through his story of perseverance and personal transformation.
Criminal Case Will Move Forward
With the preliminary hearing complete, Jason Melara, Mahki Taylor, and Daymonee Johnson will now face trial on charges that include murder, robbery and assault.
The ruling does not determine guilt but allows prosecutors to present their evidence before a jury during the upcoming criminal proceedings.
The allegations presented in court represent the prosecution’s case. The defendants have been formally charged but are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
What are your thoughts on this case? Should tougher penalties be imposed for organized robbery crews that target victims across state or city lines? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
