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

March 24, 2008

Brother of Slain Teen and Associate Charged with Murder, Other Counts

LONG BEACH – Two teenage boys were charged as adults today in connection with a gang-related murder last summer.

Deputy District Attorney LaChandra Wilkerson of Hardcore Gang Division said Eric Antonio Benites, 15 (dob 09/29/92), and Jason Trejo, 14 (dob 09/26/93), are due to be arraigned this afternoon at Long Beach Superior Court, Department J.

Benites and Trejo are each charged in case No. NA077735 with one count of murder, four counts of attempted murder and one count of assault with a firearm with special allegations that the offense was committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, and in association with a criminal street gang and that the defendants were at least 14 years old at the time of the offense. Benites also is charged with one count of attempted murder and one count of possession of live ammunition by a minor.

Benites is accused of killing 16-year-old Florentino Rivera to avenge his younger brother’s murder. Benites’ brother, Jose Cano, 13, was killed June 26, 2007 by rival gang members. Media reports allege that Benites turned on his brother’s gang associates when they failed to retaliate following his murder.

Seven minors and the 30-year-old mother of an alleged gang member, Eva Daley, have been linked to Cano’s killing. Daley allegedly drove the youths to a park knowing they intended to kill the victim, Long Beach Police Department official said.

Benites and Trejo, both of Long Beach, have been in custody since Jan. 13. Bail is recommended at $6.05 million for Benites and $5.05 million for Trejo.

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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.