Los Angeles man charged with murder of Culver CityBus driver

Jose Antonio Zayas, 55, has been charged with murder following the fatal shooting of Culver CityBus driver Bruce Rodriguez on October 1. Prosecutors allege the incident occurred on South Centinela Avenue in Mar Vista after Zayas requested that Rodriguez stop the bus to let him off. Because traffic conditions prevented the driver from stopping immediately, Zayas allegedly shot Rodriguez several times with a handgun before fleeing the scene on a bicycle.

Zayas faces a murder charge with special circumstance allegations, including the murder of transportation personnel and the use of a firearm, as well as a charge for being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was arrested the day after the shooting.

Local officials, including Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman and City Councilwoman Traci Park, described the killing as a “senseless and brutal act.” Rodriguez, who is survived by a wife and two young children, was honored by community members in a memorial service in Culver City.