Azuma Bennett murder: Man arrested over shooting death of former Sydney personal trainer in LA

Man is arrested for the murder of Australian personal trainer, 30, who was shot eight times at a legal marijuana store in Los Angeles

  • Australian trainer Azuma Bennett shot dead outside marijuana dispensary in LA
  • Los Angeles County Sheriffs department confirmed arrest made over his death 
  • LA man Gabriel Alvarado remains behind bars to appear in court in November

A man was been arrested over the fatal shooting of a much-loved Australian fitness trainer in Los Angeles.

Former Sydneysider Azuma Bennett, 30, was shot up to eight times outside a marijuana dispensary in Winston Hills, LA on August 12.

He was found lying in the doorway of the building and couldn’t be revived. 

The Los Angeles County Sheriffs department has confirmed an arrest was made six weeks after the trainer’s death.

‘Homicide Investigators worked diligently to identify and apprehend Azuma Bennett’s killer,’ a statement read.

‘On September 22, 2022 investigators arrested Gabriel Alvarado, a Hispanic male from the Los Angeles area, for the murder of Azuma Bennett. 

Alvarado was remanded in custody and will appear in Airport Courthouse on November 21.

An arrest has been made over the death of Australian  trainer Azuma Bennett (left) in LA

Mr Bennett grew up in Sydney with his father, a martial arts expert who died in 2017, and mother Victoria Milton, who still lives in Sydney. 

‘Azuma had a strong character, positively touching the lives of so many – family, friends, colleagues,’  his mum said.

‘Plus the youth and children he trained in our Sydney Kung Fu Academy.

‘He lived well, and I am so proud of him.’

‘The kind of man who was close to his grandmothers both in the US and Australia and brought them so much love and joy.’ 

Mr Bennett was just three weeks away from flying home and being reunited with his family in Sydney when his life was tragically cut short. 

An online fundraiser which raised more than $42,000 went towards returning Mr Bennett’s body back to Australia, taking care of his beloved dog Keyshia and flying his family over for his Los Angeles memorial held at his workplace Fortune Gym.

Personal trainer Azuma Bennett (pictured) was raised in Sydney before following in the footsteps of his late father, a martial arts expert

Personal trainer Azuma Bennett (pictured) was raised in Sydney before following in the footsteps of his late father, a martial arts expert

‘An outstanding athlete, fighter, teacher trainer, and friend/mate to so many. We lost one of the best ones out there. He did not deserve this. He was kind to all that he met and always engaged everyone in the gym with his positive energy and engaging personality,’ the online fundraiser states. 

Fortune Gym livestreamed the memorial service for friends and family back home in Australia to watch online.

US actor Frank Grillo, who trained with Mr Bennett at Fortune Gym paid a heartfelt tribute at the time as homicides in LA reached a 15-year high.

‘He made everybody feel good about training,’ he told NBC News.

‘I don’t know what’s happened to Los Angeles that a beautiful guy like this gets shot and killed over nothing.’

Mr Bennett was raised in Sydney attended Waverley College, a private eastern suburbs school, and worked at Mosman’s Fitness First between 2012 and 2018. 

He also trained people at Bondi Boxing when the venue opened in 2015.

‘Azuma was part of the fabric at Bondi Boxing Club and we will miss the days when he would come in with that smile that would brighten the whole gym no matter how bad your day was,’ the gym posted last month.

Azuma Bennett (pictured) had celebrated his 30th birthday five months earlier

Azuma Bennett (pictured) had celebrated his 30th birthday five months earlier

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Read more at DailyMail.co.uk