Public Safety
Atkins sentenced to more than 200 years in Silver Lake Trader Joe’s case
Gene Evin Atkins received a sentence of more than 200 years to life for a 2018 crime spree that ended in a gunfight and hostage standoff at a Silver Lake Trader Joe’s.
A Los Angeles judge sentenced Atkins, 36, on Wednesday after juries convicted him of 41 counts, including second-degree murder, attempted murder, false imprisonment of hostages and assault with a firearm on an officer, according to City News Service reporting published by ABC7 and FOX 11.
The July 21, 2018 pursuit ended when Atkins crashed near the grocery store and ran inside while firing at police. Trader Joe’s assistant manager Melyda “Mely” Corado, 27, was killed by a bullet fired by a Los Angeles police officer during the exchange.
Sentence: More than 200 years to life in state prison
Convictions: 41 counts, including second-degree murder
Case: BA469832, investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department
Second jury returned the murder conviction
The first jury convicted Atkins on 40 counts in June but deadlocked on second-degree murder. A second jury found him guilty of that charge on August 18 under California’s provocative-act theory, which can hold a defendant responsible when the defendant’s conduct triggers a lethal response.
Current reporting: ABC7 / City News Service — October 14, 2026 → · FOX 11 — October 14, 2026 →
Official case context: Los Angeles County District Attorney — August 18, 2026 →