Son of DJ Quik Sentenced to 15 Years to Life for Murder

David Marvin Blake Jr. convicted of second-degree murder and shooting from a vehicle in 2022 death of Julio Moises Cardoza Jr.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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David Marvin Blake Jr., the 31-year-old son of West Coast hip-hop legend DJ Quik, has been sentenced to 15 years to life in state prison for the 2022 shooting death of Julio Moises Cardoza Jr. in Downey, California. Blake Jr. was convicted of second-degree murder and shooting from a vehicle, though the judge acknowledged his lack of prior criminal record and said a single moment does not define a person's entire life.

Why it matters

The case highlights the complexities of the criminal justice system, as the judge balanced the severity of Blake Jr.'s actions that led to a tragic loss of life with mitigating factors like his previously clean record. It also underscores the ongoing challenges of gun violence and the impact it has on families and communities.

The details

Blake Jr. arrived at the Cardoza residence with his then-employer, former Compton City Councilman Isaac Galvan, in May 2022. While the defense claimed Blake Jr. saw a shotgun earlier in the confrontation and feared for his life, the court determined that Cardoza was unarmed when the fatal shots were fired from the car. The prosecution emphasized that Blake Jr. was the one who brought a weapon into the dispute and chose to use it.

  • On May 25, 2022, the fatal encounter took place in Downey, California.
  • In December 2022, Blake Jr. was found guilty of second-degree murder and shooting from a vehicle.
  • On March 1, 2026, a Los Angeles County judge sentenced Blake Jr. to 15 years to life in state prison.

The players

David Marvin Blake Jr.

The 31-year-old son of West Coast hip-hop legend DJ Quik, who was convicted of second-degree murder and shooting from a vehicle in the 2022 death of Julio Moises Cardoza Jr.

Julio Moises Cardoza Jr.

The victim who was fatally shot by Blake Jr. in Downey, California in 2022.

Isaac Galvan

Blake Jr.'s then-employer, a former Compton City Councilman, who was present during the confrontation that led to Cardoza's death.

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What they’re saying

“He expressed remorse to the victim's family and shared that he feared for his safety during the confrontation, insisting he believed his life was in danger at the time. He pushed back against the 'murderer' label, suggesting the incident was a split-second reaction to a perceived threat.”

— David Marvin Blake Jr. (balleralert.com)

“The family of the deceased shared their heartbreak, with Cardoza's mother describing the trauma of being present when her son was killed, calling the experience unimaginable. Following the judge's ruling, his sister made it clear that the sentence did not feel like justice for their family.”

— Cardoza Family Members (balleralert.com)

What’s next

The judge acknowledged that Blake Jr. could eventually be eligible for parole, though the timeline for that is unclear.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complexities of the criminal justice system, as the judge balanced the severity of Blake Jr.'s actions that led to a tragic loss of life with mitigating factors like his previously clean record. It underscores the ongoing challenges of gun violence and the impact it has on families and communities.