David Marvin Blake Jr., son of legendary producer DJ Quik, has been found guilty of second-degree murder in a 2022 shooting in Downey, California. The 33-year-old victim, Julio Moises Cardoza Jr., died from a gunshot wound to the chest after Blake allegedly fired multiple shots from a vehicle. Blake faces up to 40 years to life in prison at his February sentencing.
Incident Details
The shooting occurred in 2022 in the Los Angeles suburb of Downey. Authorities reported that Blake, then 27 years old, fired several shots from inside a vehicle at Julio Moises Cardoza Jr., aged 33, before fleeing the scene. The victim was transported to a hospital but succumbed to a gunshot wound to the chest. Blake was arrested the following day.
Verdict and Sentencing
On December 5, 2025, a jury convicted David Marvin Blake Jr. of second-degree murder. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office confirmed the outcome, stating: “Blake was found guilty yesterday of second-degree murder and the gun allegations and the great bodily injury allegations were found to be true. He also was convicted of one count of shooting from a motor vehicle and the gun and GBI allegations also were found to be true. Sentencing is set for Feb. 6. He faces up to 40 years to life in state prison.”
Background Context
DJ Quik, born David Martin Blake Sr., is a prominent West Coast hip-hop producer known for his work in the 1990s and beyond. This conviction marks a significant legal development for the Blake family, though details of the motive remain undisclosed in available reports. The case highlights ongoing issues with gun violence in the region.