Latest Legal News from the Criminal Courts of Los Angeles, California and the U.S.

March 07, 2008

Van Nuys Gang Member Convicted of Murder

VAN NUYS -- A 17-year-old gang member was convicted of murder today for the shooting death of a former Los Angeles Police Department explorer scout.

Deputy District Attorney Paul Nunez of the Hardcore Gang Division said a Van Nuys Superior Court jury deliberated for one hour before finding Ramiro Munoz guilty of first-degree murder and guilty of shooting at an occupied motor vehicle. The prosecutor said both counts carried special gun and gang allegations that the jury found true.

Judge Darlene E. Schempp, who presided over the trial, scheduled sentencing for April 15 in Department S. The defendant faces a maximum sentence of 60 years to life in prison.

On April 21, 2006, the defendant was hanging out with friends at a snack truck stationed one block from the Van Nuys Courthouse. The victim, Marco Juarez, dropped off a friend at the snack truck and proceeded to make a U-turn at the end of the block.

Believing the victim was about to carry out a drive-by shooting, the defendant -- a Barrio Van Nuys gang member -- pulled out a revolver handgun and opened fire, striking and killing Juarez. The victim, a former Los Angeles Police Department explorer scout, was six months shy of his 20th birthday.

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CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER

JOSEPH SHEMARIA

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Latest Legal News from the Criminal Courts of Los Angeles, California and the U.S.