Troy Lamar Fox, 34, has been sentenced to a maximum sentence of 358 years to life in prison after being convicted of first-degree murder and attempting to kill four others.
The sentencing, which took place on Thursday, comes after Fox was found guilty of the brutal shooting death of 17-year-old Briana Soto in Long Beach, California, and the attempted murder of four others weeks later.
The Murder of Briana Soto
In March 2024, Fox was convicted of the murder of Briana Soto, who was shot while walking home from her job at McDonald’s on March 26. Soto was just 17 years old and had spoken with her mother shortly before the fatal incident.
The shooting occurred around 8:30 p.m. near 11th Street and Lewis Avenue in Long Beach. Tragically, Soto was critically injured and died three days later in the hospital.
Her mother, who had just spoken to her daughter on the phone, heard the shots and immediately called her back, but a man answered the phone. She couldn’t understand what he was saying, and soon learned that her daughter had been shot.
Long Beach Police were able to release surveillance footage showing a man dressed in black with a mask walking in the area just before the shooting. The police investigation led them to believe the shooter did not know Soto, and that it was a random attack.
Subsequent Crimes and Arrest
Weeks after Soto’s murder, Fox was linked to another shooting. On April 9, 2024, a person shot at a vehicle with three minors and one adult inside in Long Beach. In July 2024, Fox was found in possession of six illegal firearms with a minor and was arrested.
While Fox was already in jail, detectives secured an arrest warrant for Soto’s murder and charged him with attempted murder for the previous shooting.
The Sentence and Reaction
Fox was sentenced to 358 years to life in prison. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that the sentence was a step toward justice for Briana Soto and her loved ones. “Briana Soto had her whole life ahead of her — she was getting ready for her prom, her 18th birthday, and graduation.
Today’s sentence ensures the person who stole her future will never be free to harm another innocent person,” Hochman said.
Authorities were unable to determine the motive for the murder, as no clear reason for the shooting was presented during Fox’s trial. The lack of motive has left the community in shock and disbelief.
Fox’s Criminal History
Fox has a prior criminal record, including convictions for attempted robbery and making criminal threats. His violent past, combined with the brutal nature of his crimes, led to the maximum sentence in this case.
The sentencing marks a critical moment for justice, ensuring that Fox will never again be able to harm another innocent person. While the pain of losing Briana Soto will never be erased, her family and community can take some comfort knowing that Fox will be held accountable for his actions.
