2 Men Ordered to Stand Trial in Palmdale Double Slaying

LANCASTER — They stopped for a snack and ended up shooting two men to death, according to statements made in court Tuesday during a preliminary hearing for a pair of suspected gang members charged in the attack.

Michael Dewayne Parker, also known as “Drac,” and Dialo Parker are each charged with two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder in the May 21, 1993, shooting at a Palmdale gas station and mini-mart. Dialo Parker is also charged with personal use of a firearm.

“It appears they stopped for gas and a Coke,” said Deputy Dist. Atty. David G. Evans.

The two Parkers, who are not related, were ordered Tuesday by Antelope Municipal Judge Ian R. Grant to answer to the charges in Superior Court. Arraignment was scheduled for March 22.

According to testimony given during a four-hour preliminary hearing Tuesday, the Parkers were driven to Palmdale from Pacoima on May 21 by three girls, one of whom was Dialo Parker’s girlfriend. At a mini-mart at 407 E. Palmdale Blvd., the Parkers got into a fight with three men.

Dialo Parker, also known as “Dee,” is accused of shooting the three men after Michael Parker “challenged” them and asked questions, such as “Where you from?” according to testimony and statements made Tuesday by the attorneys and witnesses. Michael Parker said, “We got some Crips,” according to testimony.

Palmdale residents Antwon Giles and his cousin, Kevin Robertson, both 22, died of gunshot wounds. Kubwa Gonsoulin was shot in the hand and leg but survived.

A mini-mart employee, Medhat Eid, identified Dialo Parker as the shooter during Tuesday’s hearing.

Dialo Parker was arrested in a Palmdale apartment the day after the shooting. Michael Parker was arrested three months later in Omaha. He was later extradited to California.

Avrum S. Harris, an attorney representing Michael Parker, made an unsuccessful attempt to have the charges against his client dismissed.