Trial Begins for Pair Accused of Valentine’s Day Shooting That Severely Injured 10-Year-Old Boy

The trial for Tanaj Johnson and Joseph Mekhi Knowles, both accused in connection with the shooting that left a 10-year-old Pasadena boy severely wounded as he played innocently outside his home on Valentine’s Day in 2021, was scheduled to get underway Monday, March 4, at the Pasadena Courthouse.

On Feb. 14, 2021, the boy, Mario Gabriel Ramirez, suffered injuries after being caught in a hail of gunfire on Parke Street. Reports from the Pasadena Police Department at that time suggest that the accused allegedly emerged from a vehicle and unleashed a barrage of bullets, with Ramirez bearing the brunt of their violence.

Johnson, 22, hailing from Pasadena, and Knowles, 21, from Altadena, are facing charges of attempted murder and mayhem. Knowles was also charged with firearm possession due to a prior 2018 robbery conviction.

The boy had to undergo extensive medical procedures, including multiple surgeries and rehabilitation, following the shooting. He was discharged from the hospital a month later but reportedly has continued to require ongoing therapy.

Johnson and Knowles were arrested following an exhaustive investigation by the Pasadena Police Department. Knowles remains in custody without bail, while Johnson’s bail has been set at $4.09 million.

Community members rallied around Ramirez, establishing a fundraiser that has garnered over $47,000 in donations.

The trial will be conducted in Department C of the Pasadena Courthouse.