Lorenzo Inez Arias – Latino, age 21 (see also Luis Alonzo Mendoza)
Sentenced in San Bernardino County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: July 2000
Prosecution case/defense response: Arias and Luis Alonzo Mendoza shot to death four people, including two gang leaders. Emergency personnel who arrived at the scene found the bodies of Johnny Agudo (age 33), his brother Gilbert Agudo (age 27), Anthony Daniel Luna (age 23) and Luna’s half-brother Marselino Gregory Luna (age 19). A total of four people were part of the group believed to be responsible for the shooting. The police have arrested Arias, Mendoza and John Adrian Ramirez. The fourth, Froylan Chiprez, is a fugitive who prosecutors believe is hiding in Mexico. Prosecutors say Johnny Agudo was targeted because he provided information to the police about other gang members.
Prosecutor(s): Cheryl Kersey
Defense lawyer(s): Julian Ducre, Dean Pic’l
Sources: AP Alert 9/11/08 – CA 16:40:38; www.mail-archive.com/deathpenalty@lists.washlaw.edu/msg08620.html; www.mail-archive.com/deathpenalty@lists.washlaw.edu/msg08371.html; www.insidesocal.com/sb/iecourts/2008/07/testimony-ends-in-dead-preside.html; www.insidesocal.com/sb/iecourts/2008/08/post.html; alt.nntp2http.com/politics/immigration/2008/01/
a34ccb16c023c04502f887c9e601beef.html; iestreetlife.aforumfree.com/articles-f3/san-bernardino-dead-presidents-t21.htm; cbs2.com/local/death.sentence.presidents.2.815075.html
By: a jury
Date of crime: July 2000
Prosecution case/defense response: Arias and Luis Alonzo Mendoza shot to death four people, including two gang leaders. Emergency personnel who arrived at the scene found the bodies of Johnny Agudo (age 33), his brother Gilbert Agudo (age 27), Anthony Daniel Luna (age 23) and Luna’s half-brother Marselino Gregory Luna (age 19). A total of four people were part of the group believed to be responsible for the shooting. The police have arrested Arias, Mendoza and John Adrian Ramirez. The fourth, Froylan Chiprez, is a fugitive who prosecutors believe is hiding in Mexico. Prosecutors say Johnny Agudo was targeted because he provided information to the police about other gang members.
Prosecutor(s): Cheryl Kersey
Defense lawyer(s): Julian Ducre, Dean Pic’l
Sources: AP Alert 9/11/08 – CA 16:40:38; www.mail-archive.com/deathpenalty@lists.washlaw.edu/msg08620.html; www.mail-archive.com/deathpenalty@lists.washlaw.edu/msg08371.html; www.insidesocal.com/sb/iecourts/2008/07/testimony-ends-in-dead-preside.html; www.insidesocal.com/sb/iecourts/2008/08/post.html; alt.nntp2http.com/politics/immigration/2008/01/
a34ccb16c023c04502f887c9e601beef.html; iestreetlife.aforumfree.com/articles-f3/san-bernardino-dead-presidents-t21.htm; cbs2.com/local/death.sentence.presidents.2.815075.html
Juan Jose Chavez – Latino, age 18
Sentenced in Los Angeles County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: May 31, 2004; June 6, 2004
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Chavez murdered three people, one of whom was a prospective witness against him. Chavez fatally shot Lynda McGeisey and Abdon Sandoval on May 31, 2004. Six day later, Chavez killed Risa Bejarano (age 18), the prospective witness. Chavez received the death sentence for the murder of Bejarano. The jury also found the following special circumstances: multiple murders, murder of a witness to a crime and murder for the purpose of avoiding arrest. Video from a documentary of Bejarano, “Aging Out”, was used by the prosecution during the penalty phase.
Prosecutor(s): Robert Sherwood
Defense lawyer(s): John Hud
Sources: www.topix.com/forum/news/violent-crime/TO41QT9JRBVBNNF8S; www.pppdocs.com/inproduction.html; media.gfem.org/node/10195; cbs2.com/local/Juan.Jose.Chavez.2.536768.html
By: a jury
Date of crime: May 31, 2004; June 6, 2004
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Chavez murdered three people, one of whom was a prospective witness against him. Chavez fatally shot Lynda McGeisey and Abdon Sandoval on May 31, 2004. Six day later, Chavez killed Risa Bejarano (age 18), the prospective witness. Chavez received the death sentence for the murder of Bejarano. The jury also found the following special circumstances: multiple murders, murder of a witness to a crime and murder for the purpose of avoiding arrest. Video from a documentary of Bejarano, “Aging Out”, was used by the prosecution during the penalty phase.
Prosecutor(s): Robert Sherwood
Defense lawyer(s): John Hud
Sources: www.topix.com/forum/news/violent-crime/TO41QT9JRBVBNNF8S; www.pppdocs.com/inproduction.html; media.gfem.org/node/10195; cbs2.com/local/Juan.Jose.Chavez.2.536768.html
William Jennings Choyce – black, age 43
Sentenced in San Joaquin County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: 1997; 1998
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Choyce was convicted and sentenced for the rape and murder of three women. In 1997, in Stockton, Choyce raped and murdered Lawanda Beck and Gwendolyn Lee. In 1998, in Oakland, Choyce murdered Victoria Bell. All three women were working as prostitutes. He would bind their hands and feet and rape them at gunpoint before shooting them execution style and dumping their bodies. DNA evidence linked Choyce to the crimes. Three other women testified during the trial that they were raped at gunpoint but survived.
Prosecutor(s): Thomas Testa
Defense lawyer(s): William Fattarsi, Lorna Patton-Brown
Sources: The Record 9/17/08 (2008 WLNR 17652884), 9/18/08 (2008 WLNR 17718404), 9/19/08 (2008 WLNR 17858437), 12/14/08 (2008 WLNR 23968527), 12/16/08 (2008 WLNR 24075976); www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=A_SPECIAL0242; www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080807/A_NEWS/80807011/-1/A_SPECIAL0242
By: a jury
Date of crime: 1997; 1998
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Choyce was convicted and sentenced for the rape and murder of three women. In 1997, in Stockton, Choyce raped and murdered Lawanda Beck and Gwendolyn Lee. In 1998, in Oakland, Choyce murdered Victoria Bell. All three women were working as prostitutes. He would bind their hands and feet and rape them at gunpoint before shooting them execution style and dumping their bodies. DNA evidence linked Choyce to the crimes. Three other women testified during the trial that they were raped at gunpoint but survived.
Prosecutor(s): Thomas Testa
Defense lawyer(s): William Fattarsi, Lorna Patton-Brown
Sources: The Record 9/17/08 (2008 WLNR 17652884), 9/18/08 (2008 WLNR 17718404), 9/19/08 (2008 WLNR 17858437), 12/14/08 (2008 WLNR 23968527), 12/16/08 (2008 WLNR 24075976); www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=A_SPECIAL0242; www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080807/A_NEWS/80807011/-1/A_SPECIAL0242
Tecumseh Nehemiah Colbert – black, age 20
Sentenced in San Diego County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: October 29, 2004; November 10, 2004
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Colbert fatally shot Robert McCamey (age 32) and Richard Hammes (age 45). According to testimony, Colbert’s girlfriend, Tatiana Daniels persuaded McCamey to follow her to an apartment complex on October 29, 2004. When McCamey got out of his vehicle, Colbert ran up and shot him five times. Prosecutors argued that Colbert shot McCamey over drug debt. On November 10, 2004, Colbert attempted to rob a liquor store at which Hammes worked. Colbert entered the store wearing a mask and carrying two guns while Theron Peters waited outside in the getaway car. Colbert shot Hammes because Hammes refused to give him any money. The next day, Colbert bragged about the shooting when he and Peters carjacked and kidnapped a man at gunpoint.
Prosecutor(s): Robert Amador, David Grapilon
Defense lawyer(s): Brad Patton
Sources: Union-Tribune 7/31/07 (2007 WLNR 14822456), 7/8/08 (2008 WLNR 12913710), 12/16/08 (2008 WLNR 24298037); www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20070628-1528-convicted.html; www.associatedcontent.com/article/296839/southern_california_man_found_guilty.html; www.10news.com/news/16814455/detail.html
By: a jury
Date of crime: October 29, 2004; November 10, 2004
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Colbert fatally shot Robert McCamey (age 32) and Richard Hammes (age 45). According to testimony, Colbert’s girlfriend, Tatiana Daniels persuaded McCamey to follow her to an apartment complex on October 29, 2004. When McCamey got out of his vehicle, Colbert ran up and shot him five times. Prosecutors argued that Colbert shot McCamey over drug debt. On November 10, 2004, Colbert attempted to rob a liquor store at which Hammes worked. Colbert entered the store wearing a mask and carrying two guns while Theron Peters waited outside in the getaway car. Colbert shot Hammes because Hammes refused to give him any money. The next day, Colbert bragged about the shooting when he and Peters carjacked and kidnapped a man at gunpoint.
Prosecutor(s): Robert Amador, David Grapilon
Defense lawyer(s): Brad Patton
Sources: Union-Tribune 7/31/07 (2007 WLNR 14822456), 7/8/08 (2008 WLNR 12913710), 12/16/08 (2008 WLNR 24298037); www.signonsandiego.com/news/metro/20070628-1528-convicted.html; www.associatedcontent.com/article/296839/southern_california_man_found_guilty.html; www.10news.com/news/16814455/detail.html
Michael Cook – black, age 26
Sentenced in Riverside County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: January 24, 1998; April 22, 1998
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Cook murdered two elderly women by setting fire to their trailers. The prosecution argued that Cook went into mobile home parks and set trailers on fire, then burglarized neighboring units. Florence Mash (age 84) was burned to death, in her trailer, on January 24, 1998, and Lucille Quigley (age 86) was murdered, in similar fashion, on April 22, 1998. The defense argued that Cook was mentally disabled and abused as a child. Cook received a death sentence for each murder.
Prosecutor(s): Tricia Fransdal
Defense lawyer(s): John Hemmer, David Wiesen
Sources: City News Service 5/22/08: 2:30PM PST (LexisNexis – Jury Deliberating Fate of Convicted Murderer and Arsonist), 5/22/08: 4:14PM PST (LexisNexis – Jury Recommends Death for Convicted Murderer and Arsonist), 6/25/08 (LexisNexis – Man Gets Death for Fiery Murders of Two Elderly Women in Cathedral City a Decade Ago); The Desert Sun 5/23/08 (LexisNexis – Cook case now in penalty phase), 5/23/08 (LexisNexis – Jury rules in favor of death penalty for Cook), 7/26/08 (LexisNexis – Cook sentenced to death for slayings)
By: a jury
Date of crime: January 24, 1998; April 22, 1998
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Cook murdered two elderly women by setting fire to their trailers. The prosecution argued that Cook went into mobile home parks and set trailers on fire, then burglarized neighboring units. Florence Mash (age 84) was burned to death, in her trailer, on January 24, 1998, and Lucille Quigley (age 86) was murdered, in similar fashion, on April 22, 1998. The defense argued that Cook was mentally disabled and abused as a child. Cook received a death sentence for each murder.
Prosecutor(s): Tricia Fransdal
Defense lawyer(s): John Hemmer, David Wiesen
Sources: City News Service 5/22/08: 2:30PM PST (LexisNexis – Jury Deliberating Fate of Convicted Murderer and Arsonist), 5/22/08: 4:14PM PST (LexisNexis – Jury Recommends Death for Convicted Murderer and Arsonist), 6/25/08 (LexisNexis – Man Gets Death for Fiery Murders of Two Elderly Women in Cathedral City a Decade Ago); The Desert Sun 5/23/08 (LexisNexis – Cook case now in penalty phase), 5/23/08 (LexisNexis – Jury rules in favor of death penalty for Cook), 7/26/08 (LexisNexis – Cook sentenced to death for slayings)
James Winslow Dixon, Jr. – black, age 28
Sentenced in Los Angeles County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: August 17, 2001
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Dixon slashed the throat of Christina Burmeister (age 20). Dixon, his wife, and another man kidnapped the Burmeister while she was on her way to a fraternity party in Pomona. They took her to a Montclair bank and withdrew $400 from her account, and then drove her into the mountains above Azusa, where Dixon cut her throat. Prosecutors linked Dixon to the murder both by DNA and through the testimony of one of his accomplices, Henry Singer. During the penalty phase, the defense argued that even though Dixon participated he may not have been as instrumental in the killing as prosecutors portrayed him.
Prosecutor(s): John Monaghan
Defense lawyer(s): James Slevin, Nancy Sperber
Sources: San Bernardino County Sun 3/27/08 (2008 WLNR 6073577), 3/27/08 (2008 WLNR 6073563), 3/27/08 (2008 WLNR 6073567); abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local&id=6031038; www.dailybulletin.com/ci_3696365
By: a jury
Date of crime: August 17, 2001
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Dixon slashed the throat of Christina Burmeister (age 20). Dixon, his wife, and another man kidnapped the Burmeister while she was on her way to a fraternity party in Pomona. They took her to a Montclair bank and withdrew $400 from her account, and then drove her into the mountains above Azusa, where Dixon cut her throat. Prosecutors linked Dixon to the murder both by DNA and through the testimony of one of his accomplices, Henry Singer. During the penalty phase, the defense argued that even though Dixon participated he may not have been as instrumental in the killing as prosecutors portrayed him.
Prosecutor(s): John Monaghan
Defense lawyer(s): James Slevin, Nancy Sperber
Sources: San Bernardino County Sun 3/27/08 (2008 WLNR 6073577), 3/27/08 (2008 WLNR 6073563), 3/27/08 (2008 WLNR 6073567); abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/local&id=6031038; www.dailybulletin.com/ci_3696365
Ralph Steven Flores, Latino, age 17
Sentenced in Los Angeles County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: 1999-2004
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Flores was convicted of four counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances including multiple murders to further the activities of a criminal street gang. The jury also found true the special circumstances of robbery murder, torture murder and multiple murders. The judge imposed three death sentences and a life sentence for the May 14, 1999 murder of Christopher Lynch (age 16). Lynch’s murder is believed to be racial motivated, a special circumstance. Because Flores was a minor, he was not eligible for the death penalty for that murder. Flores was convicted of shooting Claudia Rosio Chenet (age 23) to death on November 19, 2003, because he believed she helped police arrest another gang member. He was also found guilty of shooting Miguel Reyes (age 20) outside a Christmas party on December 26, 2004, and beating and strangling to death Fenise Luna (age 28) on December 29, 2004.
Prosecutor(s): Ian Phan, Michele Hanisee
Defense lawyer(s): Pierpont M. Laidley
Sources: AP Alert 3/24/08 – CA 18:51:15; AP Alert 9/9/08 – CA 02:10:43; mylifeofcrime.wordpress.com/2008/03/16/breaking-news-azusa-gang-member-ralph-steven-flores-convicted-of-4-murders-faces-death-penalty/; da.co.la.ca.us/mr/031408b.htm; www.pasadenastarnews.com/ci_8699046?source=rss_emailed
By: a jury
Date of crime: 1999-2004
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Flores was convicted of four counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances including multiple murders to further the activities of a criminal street gang. The jury also found true the special circumstances of robbery murder, torture murder and multiple murders. The judge imposed three death sentences and a life sentence for the May 14, 1999 murder of Christopher Lynch (age 16). Lynch’s murder is believed to be racial motivated, a special circumstance. Because Flores was a minor, he was not eligible for the death penalty for that murder. Flores was convicted of shooting Claudia Rosio Chenet (age 23) to death on November 19, 2003, because he believed she helped police arrest another gang member. He was also found guilty of shooting Miguel Reyes (age 20) outside a Christmas party on December 26, 2004, and beating and strangling to death Fenise Luna (age 28) on December 29, 2004.
Prosecutor(s): Ian Phan, Michele Hanisee
Defense lawyer(s): Pierpont M. Laidley
Sources: AP Alert 3/24/08 – CA 18:51:15; AP Alert 9/9/08 – CA 02:10:43; mylifeofcrime.wordpress.com/2008/03/16/breaking-news-azusa-gang-member-ralph-steven-flores-convicted-of-4-murders-faces-death-penalty/; da.co.la.ca.us/mr/031408b.htm; www.pasadenastarnews.com/ci_8699046?source=rss_emailed
Frank Christopher Gonzalez – Latino, age 25
Sentenced in Los Angeles County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: March 28, 2006
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Gonzalez fatally shot off-duty sheriff’s deputy Maria Rosa (age 30) outside her girlfriend’s Long Beach home. Gonzalez and Justin Ashley Flint, allegedly, had been riding stolen bikes that morning looking for easy money to purchase methamphetamines when they came across Rosa. Gonzalez initially tried to rob Rosa, but shot her twice after she pulled a gun and flashed her sheriff’s badge, according to testimony. The deputy was shot once in the back and once in the side. Gonzalez was convicted of first-degree murder, attempted robbery and the special circumstance allegation of murdering during an attempted robbery. The prosecution argued that Gonzalez knew Rosa was an officer before he killed her. Further, the prosecution argued that Rosa was targeted because she was a female, and reported that Gonzalez blamed his girlfriend because she would not give him money to buy drugs.
Prosecutor(s): Patrick Connolly
Defense lawyer(s): Franklin Peters, Jr., Katie Murff Trotter
Sources: Long Beach Press-Telegram 4/26/08 (2008 WLNR 7777295), 5/10/08 (2008 WLNR 8829726), 5/13/08 (2008 WLNR 8998671)
By: a jury
Date of crime: March 28, 2006
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Gonzalez fatally shot off-duty sheriff’s deputy Maria Rosa (age 30) outside her girlfriend’s Long Beach home. Gonzalez and Justin Ashley Flint, allegedly, had been riding stolen bikes that morning looking for easy money to purchase methamphetamines when they came across Rosa. Gonzalez initially tried to rob Rosa, but shot her twice after she pulled a gun and flashed her sheriff’s badge, according to testimony. The deputy was shot once in the back and once in the side. Gonzalez was convicted of first-degree murder, attempted robbery and the special circumstance allegation of murdering during an attempted robbery. The prosecution argued that Gonzalez knew Rosa was an officer before he killed her. Further, the prosecution argued that Rosa was targeted because she was a female, and reported that Gonzalez blamed his girlfriend because she would not give him money to buy drugs.
Prosecutor(s): Patrick Connolly
Defense lawyer(s): Franklin Peters, Jr., Katie Murff Trotter
Sources: Long Beach Press-Telegram 4/26/08 (2008 WLNR 7777295), 5/10/08 (2008 WLNR 8829726), 5/13/08 (2008 WLNR 8998671)
Michael Allen Lamb – white, age 28
Sentenced in Orange County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: March 8, 2002
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Lamb shot Scott Miller to death. Miller co-founded the white supremacist gang Public Enemy Number One. The prosecution argued Miller was targeted for death for violating an unwritten code by appearing on a television show and disclosing secrets about the gang. The prosecution argued that Billie Joe Johnson (age 39), a co-defendant, lured Miller into an alley where Jacob Rump (age 26), also a co-defendant, and Lamb were waiting in the dark. Lamb was also charged with trying to kill and undercover police officer three days after Miller was found dead.
Prosecutor(s): Ebrahim Baytieh
Defense lawyer(s): Michael Molfetta, Marlin Stapleton
Sources: The Orange County Register 12/15/07 (2007 WLNR 25964561), 6/12/08 (2008 WLNR 11710702), 8/23/08 (2008 WLNR 16665722); soundportraits.org/in-print/magazine_articles/john_michael_lamb/
By: a jury
Date of crime: March 8, 2002
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Lamb shot Scott Miller to death. Miller co-founded the white supremacist gang Public Enemy Number One. The prosecution argued Miller was targeted for death for violating an unwritten code by appearing on a television show and disclosing secrets about the gang. The prosecution argued that Billie Joe Johnson (age 39), a co-defendant, lured Miller into an alley where Jacob Rump (age 26), also a co-defendant, and Lamb were waiting in the dark. Lamb was also charged with trying to kill and undercover police officer three days after Miller was found dead.
Prosecutor(s): Ebrahim Baytieh
Defense lawyer(s): Michael Molfetta, Marlin Stapleton
Sources: The Orange County Register 12/15/07 (2007 WLNR 25964561), 6/12/08 (2008 WLNR 11710702), 8/23/08 (2008 WLNR 16665722); soundportraits.org/in-print/magazine_articles/john_michael_lamb/
Anthony McKnight – black, age 31
Sentenced in Alameda County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: October 1985 – January 1986
Prosecution’s case/defense response: McKnight raped and murdered two teens and three women. McKnight bludgeoned, stabbed and sexually assaulted Betty Lynn Stuart (age 22), Diane Stone (age 17), Talita Dixon (age 13), Monique Franchone Davis (age 18) and Beverly Ann Bryant (age 24). DNA evidence was used to link McKnight with each of the murders. McKnight was found guilty of five special circumstances. Three of the special circumstances are for committing murder during the course of a rape, one is for committing murder during sodomy and one is for committing multiple murders.
Prosecutor(s): Jim Meehan
Defense lawyer(s): Alex Selvin, Michael Berger
Sources: UPI Top Stories 7/16/08 00:00:00; Oakland Tribune 11/19/08 (2008 WLNR 22076207); cbs5.com/investigates/oakland.murder.case.2.460772.html; cbs5.com/crime/east.bay.murders.2.820049.html; www.ktvu.com/news/17667165/detail.html
By: a jury
Date of crime: October 1985 – January 1986
Prosecution’s case/defense response: McKnight raped and murdered two teens and three women. McKnight bludgeoned, stabbed and sexually assaulted Betty Lynn Stuart (age 22), Diane Stone (age 17), Talita Dixon (age 13), Monique Franchone Davis (age 18) and Beverly Ann Bryant (age 24). DNA evidence was used to link McKnight with each of the murders. McKnight was found guilty of five special circumstances. Three of the special circumstances are for committing murder during the course of a rape, one is for committing murder during sodomy and one is for committing multiple murders.
Prosecutor(s): Jim Meehan
Defense lawyer(s): Alex Selvin, Michael Berger
Sources: UPI Top Stories 7/16/08 00:00:00; Oakland Tribune 11/19/08 (2008 WLNR 22076207); cbs5.com/investigates/oakland.murder.case.2.460772.html; cbs5.com/crime/east.bay.murders.2.820049.html; www.ktvu.com/news/17667165/detail.html
Luis Alonzo Mendoza – Latino, age 24 (see also Lorenzo Inez Arias)
Sentenced in San Bernardino County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: July 2000
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Mendoza and Lorenzo Inez Arias shot to death four people, including two gang leaders. Emergency person who arrived at the scene found the bodies of Johnny Agudo (age 33), his brother Gilbert Agudo (age 27), Anthony Daniel Luna (age 23) and Luna’s half-brother Marselino Gregory Luna (age 19). A total of four people were part of the group believed to be responsible for the shooting. The police have arrested Arias, Mendoza and John Adrian Ramirez. The fourth, Froylan Chiprez, is a fugitive that prosecutors believe is hiding in Mexico. Prosecutors say Johnny Agudo was targeted because he provided information to the police about other gang members. The prosecution argued that Mendoza was motivated by his desire to lead the gang, to eliminate an informant, to protect his own neighborhood and to increase his reputation.
Prosecutor(s): Cheryl Kersey
Defense lawyer(s): Richard Crouter
Sources: AP Alert 9/11/08 – CA 16:40:38; www.mail-archive.com/deathpenalty@lists.washlaw.edu/msg08620.html; www.mail-archive.com/deathpenalty@lists.washlaw.edu/msg08371.html; www.insidesocal.com/sb/iecourts/2008/07/testimony-ends-in-dead-preside.html; www.insidesocal.com/sb/iecourts/2008/08/post.html; alt.nntp2http.com/politics/immigration/2008/01/a34ccb16c023c04502f887c9e601beef.html; iestreetlife.aforumfree.com/articles-f3/san-bernardino-dead-presidents-t21.htm; cbs2.com/local/death.sentence.presidents.2.815075.html
By: a jury
Date of crime: July 2000
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Mendoza and Lorenzo Inez Arias shot to death four people, including two gang leaders. Emergency person who arrived at the scene found the bodies of Johnny Agudo (age 33), his brother Gilbert Agudo (age 27), Anthony Daniel Luna (age 23) and Luna’s half-brother Marselino Gregory Luna (age 19). A total of four people were part of the group believed to be responsible for the shooting. The police have arrested Arias, Mendoza and John Adrian Ramirez. The fourth, Froylan Chiprez, is a fugitive that prosecutors believe is hiding in Mexico. Prosecutors say Johnny Agudo was targeted because he provided information to the police about other gang members. The prosecution argued that Mendoza was motivated by his desire to lead the gang, to eliminate an informant, to protect his own neighborhood and to increase his reputation.
Prosecutor(s): Cheryl Kersey
Defense lawyer(s): Richard Crouter
Sources: AP Alert 9/11/08 – CA 16:40:38; www.mail-archive.com/deathpenalty@lists.washlaw.edu/msg08620.html; www.mail-archive.com/deathpenalty@lists.washlaw.edu/msg08371.html; www.insidesocal.com/sb/iecourts/2008/07/testimony-ends-in-dead-preside.html; www.insidesocal.com/sb/iecourts/2008/08/post.html; alt.nntp2http.com/politics/immigration/2008/01/a34ccb16c023c04502f887c9e601beef.html; iestreetlife.aforumfree.com/articles-f3/san-bernardino-dead-presidents-t21.htm; cbs2.com/local/death.sentence.presidents.2.815075.html
Carl Edward Molano – Latino, age 38
Sentenced in Alameda County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: June 16, 1995
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Molano raped and strangled Suzanne McKenna (age 33). DNA evidence was used to link Molano to the murder. Molano had been convicted of rape in Long Beach in 1982, in Oakland 1987, and felony domestic violence in Alameda County. The jury found the special circumstance of committing murder during the course of a rape.
Prosecutor(s): James Meehan
Defense lawyer(s):
Sources: findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4176/is_20040528/ai_n14577095/; www.fogcityjournal.com/news_in_brief/bcn_news_briefs_070821.shtml
By: a jury
Date of crime: June 16, 1995
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Molano raped and strangled Suzanne McKenna (age 33). DNA evidence was used to link Molano to the murder. Molano had been convicted of rape in Long Beach in 1982, in Oakland 1987, and felony domestic violence in Alameda County. The jury found the special circumstance of committing murder during the course of a rape.
Prosecutor(s): James Meehan
Defense lawyer(s):
Sources: findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4176/is_20040528/ai_n14577095/; www.fogcityjournal.com/news_in_brief/bcn_news_briefs_070821.shtml
Barry Wendell Mosley – black, age 40
Sentenced in Torrance County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: April 17, 1999; June 2000
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Mosley murdered Shirley Austin (age 54) and raped and murdered her daughter, Bessie “Mooney” Carter (age 17), in 1999. In June 2000, Mosely raped and murdered Adrienne Reed (age 29). He also raped Reed’s then 8-year old daughter, who survived the attacked. Mosley killed Reed the same night he befriended her. The two met at a mini-mart and he was invited back to her home to watch the Lakers game. Reed’s daughter woke up in the middle of the night to find her mother on the living room floor and Mosley sitting nearby on a couch. Mosley got angry when the girl asked him to wake up her mom. He put a blanket over the girl’s head, choked her unconscious and raped her. He was arrested after his palm print was lifted from a bathroom counter. DNA later linked him to the slayings of Austin and Carter. The judge said he considered Mosley’s crimes and his history, which included 11 victims total, in deciding to sentence Mosley to death.
Prosecutor(s): Steve Schreiner; Tony Aguilar
Defense lawyer(s): Louis Sepe, Richard Everett’s
Sources: Daily Breeze 10/30/08 (2008 WLNR 20831399); Los Angeles Times 10/31/08 (2008 WLNR 20764323); www.insidesocal.com/crime&courts/cases/barry-mosley/; www.dailybreeze.com/news/ci_10862152; da.co.la.ca.us/mr/091108c.htm
By: a jury
Date of crime: April 17, 1999; June 2000
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Mosley murdered Shirley Austin (age 54) and raped and murdered her daughter, Bessie “Mooney” Carter (age 17), in 1999. In June 2000, Mosely raped and murdered Adrienne Reed (age 29). He also raped Reed’s then 8-year old daughter, who survived the attacked. Mosley killed Reed the same night he befriended her. The two met at a mini-mart and he was invited back to her home to watch the Lakers game. Reed’s daughter woke up in the middle of the night to find her mother on the living room floor and Mosley sitting nearby on a couch. Mosley got angry when the girl asked him to wake up her mom. He put a blanket over the girl’s head, choked her unconscious and raped her. He was arrested after his palm print was lifted from a bathroom counter. DNA later linked him to the slayings of Austin and Carter. The judge said he considered Mosley’s crimes and his history, which included 11 victims total, in deciding to sentence Mosley to death.
Prosecutor(s): Steve Schreiner; Tony Aguilar
Defense lawyer(s): Louis Sepe, Richard Everett’s
Sources: Daily Breeze 10/30/08 (2008 WLNR 20831399); Los Angeles Times 10/31/08 (2008 WLNR 20764323); www.insidesocal.com/crime&courts/cases/barry-mosley/; www.dailybreeze.com/news/ci_10862152; da.co.la.ca.us/mr/091108c.htm
Anthony Navarro – Latino, age 35
Sentenced in Orange County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: October 2, 2002
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Navarro recruited three Pacoima gang members for the kidnapping and shooting death of David Montemayor (age 44) in a murder-for-hire scheme orchestrated by the victim’s sister. On October 2, Navarro was abducted by gunmen in Compton. They ordered him to drive to his home – where they believed he kept a large amount of money. Montemayor decided to get out of the car and run away. He was shot once in the head. Navarro wasn’t present for the murder, but jurors determined that he was the mastermind behind it. The prosecution argued that Montemayor was targeted by his sister, Deborah Ann Perna, who was upset that their father intended to pass control of the family company to Montemayor. The defense argued that Navarro was a police informant who tried to tip off his handlers, the Los Angeles Police Department and the FBI, about the plot to kill Montemayor. The jury found that Navarro committed the murder during an attempted robbery, a kidnapping and for the benefit of his gang. Armando Macias and Alberto Martinez, who also face the death penalty, are still awaiting trial.
Prosecutor(s): Dan Wagner
Defense lawyer(s): Russell Halpern
Sources: www.ocregister.com/articles/death-jury-recommended-1923477-gang-murder; www.ocregister.com/articles/montemayor-death-penalty-2091420-navarro-three; The Orange County Register 8/16/08 (2008 WLNR 15536216)
By: a jury
Date of crime: October 2, 2002
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Navarro recruited three Pacoima gang members for the kidnapping and shooting death of David Montemayor (age 44) in a murder-for-hire scheme orchestrated by the victim’s sister. On October 2, Navarro was abducted by gunmen in Compton. They ordered him to drive to his home – where they believed he kept a large amount of money. Montemayor decided to get out of the car and run away. He was shot once in the head. Navarro wasn’t present for the murder, but jurors determined that he was the mastermind behind it. The prosecution argued that Montemayor was targeted by his sister, Deborah Ann Perna, who was upset that their father intended to pass control of the family company to Montemayor. The defense argued that Navarro was a police informant who tried to tip off his handlers, the Los Angeles Police Department and the FBI, about the plot to kill Montemayor. The jury found that Navarro committed the murder during an attempted robbery, a kidnapping and for the benefit of his gang. Armando Macias and Alberto Martinez, who also face the death penalty, are still awaiting trial.
Prosecutor(s): Dan Wagner
Defense lawyer(s): Russell Halpern
Sources: www.ocregister.com/articles/death-jury-recommended-1923477-gang-murder; www.ocregister.com/articles/montemayor-death-penalty-2091420-navarro-three; The Orange County Register 8/16/08 (2008 WLNR 15536216)
Jesus Guadalupe Velazquez Penuelas – Latino, age 20
Sentenced in Riverside County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: August 15, 2003
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Penuelas, Sergio Rojas Arias and Aaron Lozada robbed, kidnapped and murdered Jessica De la Torre (age 18), Penuelas’ girlfriend. Penuelas knew De la Torre through work and created a plan with Arias to gain access to her bank account after learning she had several thousand dollars. Penuelas went to De la Torre’s house on the morning of August 15th and Arias joined him there. The men beat the woman and slashed her with knives to get her to turn over her ATM card and PIN. Arias was sent to the bank where he tried, unsuccessfully, to access the account. Before leaving, Penuelas and Rojas robbed De la Torre’s home. After robbing her home, the men set it on fire in an attempt to destroy evidence. De la Torres, who had been beaten unconscious, was loaded into the trunk of her father’s car; which Navarro then stole. Penuelas drove to an isolated area, unloaded De la Torre from the trunk and ran her over several times, killing her. Her body was found nud e and bound at the ankles. Penuelas was charged with the special circumstances of kidnapping, torture and murder in the commission of a robbery.
Prosecutor(s): John Molloy
Defense lawyer(s): Judith Gweon
Sources: blogs.dailybulletin.com/sb/iecourts/2008/12/jurors-begin-deliberations-in-1.html; www.insidesocal.com/sb/iecourts/2008/11/postponement-in-trial-for-2003.html; www.insidesocal.com/sb/iecourts/2008/11/; www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_N_close06.40a8cb2.html; www.pe.com/localnews/rivcounty/stories/PE_News_Local_W_close05.433bef0.html
By: a jury
Date of crime: August 15, 2003
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Penuelas, Sergio Rojas Arias and Aaron Lozada robbed, kidnapped and murdered Jessica De la Torre (age 18), Penuelas’ girlfriend. Penuelas knew De la Torre through work and created a plan with Arias to gain access to her bank account after learning she had several thousand dollars. Penuelas went to De la Torre’s house on the morning of August 15th and Arias joined him there. The men beat the woman and slashed her with knives to get her to turn over her ATM card and PIN. Arias was sent to the bank where he tried, unsuccessfully, to access the account. Before leaving, Penuelas and Rojas robbed De la Torre’s home. After robbing her home, the men set it on fire in an attempt to destroy evidence. De la Torres, who had been beaten unconscious, was loaded into the trunk of her father’s car; which Navarro then stole. Penuelas drove to an isolated area, unloaded De la Torre from the trunk and ran her over several times, killing her. Her body was found nud e and bound at the ankles. Penuelas was charged with the special circumstances of kidnapping, torture and murder in the commission of a robbery.
Prosecutor(s): John Molloy
Defense lawyer(s): Judith Gweon
Sources: blogs.dailybulletin.com/sb/iecourts/2008/12/jurors-begin-deliberations-in-1.html; www.insidesocal.com/sb/iecourts/2008/11/postponement-in-trial-for-2003.html; www.insidesocal.com/sb/iecourts/2008/11/; www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_N_close06.40a8cb2.html; www.pe.com/localnews/rivcounty/stories/PE_News_Local_W_close05.433bef0.html
Noel Jesse Plata – Latino, age 20 (see also Ronald Tri Tran)
Sentenced in Orange County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: November 9, 1995
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Plata and Ronald Tri Tran tied up and tortured Linda Young Park (age 18) in order to force her to reveal where her family kept money and valuables. Park was killed even though she told her assailants where to find the cash and jewelry. Park’s ankles were bound together and her hands were tied behind her back before she was strangled with an electric cord and her throat slashed. The jury also found the following special circumstances: murder by torture, murder during a robbery or murder during a burglary. Further, Plata had a prior conviction of murder which also qualified him for the death sentence. An informant and DNA evidence were used to convict Plata.
Prosecutor(s): Ebrahim Baytieh
Defense lawyer(s): James Enright, Gary Pohlson, Sal Ciulla
Sources: The Orange County Register 10/18/07 (2007 WLNR 27131753), 11/8/07 (2008 WLNR 24269017), The Orange County Register 12/1/08 (2008 WLNR 23045544)
By: a jury
Date of crime: November 9, 1995
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Plata and Ronald Tri Tran tied up and tortured Linda Young Park (age 18) in order to force her to reveal where her family kept money and valuables. Park was killed even though she told her assailants where to find the cash and jewelry. Park’s ankles were bound together and her hands were tied behind her back before she was strangled with an electric cord and her throat slashed. The jury also found the following special circumstances: murder by torture, murder during a robbery or murder during a burglary. Further, Plata had a prior conviction of murder which also qualified him for the death sentence. An informant and DNA evidence were used to convict Plata.
Prosecutor(s): Ebrahim Baytieh
Defense lawyer(s): James Enright, Gary Pohlson, Sal Ciulla
Sources: The Orange County Register 10/18/07 (2007 WLNR 27131753), 11/8/07 (2008 WLNR 24269017), The Orange County Register 12/1/08 (2008 WLNR 23045544)
Theodore Churchill Shove, III – white, age 49
Sentenced in Los Angeles County, California
By: a judge upon jury recommendation
Date of crime: September 2001
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Shove and co-defendant Lewis Edward Hardin were convicted of the beating deaths of Hubert (age 81) and Elizabeth Ann Souther (age 79). Prosecutors argued Shove hired Hardin to kill the couple in order to take over their surplus hardware and tool company. Hardin broke into the Souther’s home and beat them with a tire iron while they lay in bed sleeping. The jury also found the following special circumstances: multiple murders and the Southers were killed for financial gain.
Prosecutor(s): Cathryn Brougham, David Walgren
Defense lawyer(s): Alex Kessel
Sources: www.tucsoncitizen.com/ss/local/67832.php; cbs2.com/local/La.Habra.Murder.2.537529.html; da.co.la.ca.us/mr/031308a.htm
By: a judge upon jury recommendation
Date of crime: September 2001
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Shove and co-defendant Lewis Edward Hardin were convicted of the beating deaths of Hubert (age 81) and Elizabeth Ann Souther (age 79). Prosecutors argued Shove hired Hardin to kill the couple in order to take over their surplus hardware and tool company. Hardin broke into the Souther’s home and beat them with a tire iron while they lay in bed sleeping. The jury also found the following special circumstances: multiple murders and the Southers were killed for financial gain.
Prosecutor(s): Cathryn Brougham, David Walgren
Defense lawyer(s): Alex Kessel
Sources: www.tucsoncitizen.com/ss/local/67832.php; cbs2.com/local/La.Habra.Murder.2.537529.html; da.co.la.ca.us/mr/031308a.htm
Justin Heath Thomas – white, age 21
Sentenced in Riverside County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: September 1992
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Thomas shot to death Rafael Noriega. The prosecution argued that Thomas was a drug dealer and returned to kill Noriega, his methamphetamine dealer, fearing Noriega would rat him out. Thomas shot Noriega five times, stole money and drugs and then buried the body in the Moreno Valley foothills. Thomas had already been convicted of a 1996 murder in Texas, where he was serving a life sentence. He was extradited to Riverside County in 2000.
Prosecutor(s): Chuck Hughes
Defense lawyer(s): Peter Scalisi
Sources: www.pe.com/localnews/publicsafety/stories/PE_News_Local_C_thomas07.303ce5c.html; www.mymurrieta.com/wordpress/2008/05/06/riverside-district-attorney-lists-top-10-homicide-cases-o; www.rivcoda.org/News/Articles/Top10187casesof07pressrel.pdf
By: a jury
Date of crime: September 1992
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Thomas shot to death Rafael Noriega. The prosecution argued that Thomas was a drug dealer and returned to kill Noriega, his methamphetamine dealer, fearing Noriega would rat him out. Thomas shot Noriega five times, stole money and drugs and then buried the body in the Moreno Valley foothills. Thomas had already been convicted of a 1996 murder in Texas, where he was serving a life sentence. He was extradited to Riverside County in 2000.
Prosecutor(s): Chuck Hughes
Defense lawyer(s): Peter Scalisi
Sources: www.pe.com/localnews/publicsafety/stories/PE_News_Local_C_thomas07.303ce5c.html; www.mymurrieta.com/wordpress/2008/05/06/riverside-district-attorney-lists-top-10-homicide-cases-o; www.rivcoda.org/News/Articles/Top10187casesof07pressrel.pdf
Ronald Tri Tran – Asian, age 20 (see also Noel Jesse Plata)
Sentenced in Orange County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: November 9, 1995
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Plata and Ronald Tri Tran tied up and tortured Linda Young Park (age 18) in order to force her to reveal where her family kept money and valuables. Park was killed even though she told her assailants where to find the cash and jewelry. Park’s ankles were bound together and her hands were tied behind her back before she was strangled with an electric cord and her throat slashed. The jury also found the following special circumstances: murder by torture, murder during a robbery or murder during a burglary.
Prosecutor(s): Ebrahim Baytieh
Defense lawyer(s): James Enright, Gary Pohlson
Sources: The Orange County Register 10/18/07 (2007 WLNR 27131753), 11/8/07 (2008 WLNR 24269017), The Orange County Register 12/1/08 (2008 WLNR 23045544); www.ocregister.com/articles/jury-park-family-1916129-kept-tran
By: a jury
Date of crime: November 9, 1995
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Plata and Ronald Tri Tran tied up and tortured Linda Young Park (age 18) in order to force her to reveal where her family kept money and valuables. Park was killed even though she told her assailants where to find the cash and jewelry. Park’s ankles were bound together and her hands were tied behind her back before she was strangled with an electric cord and her throat slashed. The jury also found the following special circumstances: murder by torture, murder during a robbery or murder during a burglary.
Prosecutor(s): Ebrahim Baytieh
Defense lawyer(s): James Enright, Gary Pohlson
Sources: The Orange County Register 10/18/07 (2007 WLNR 27131753), 11/8/07 (2008 WLNR 24269017), The Orange County Register 12/1/08 (2008 WLNR 23045544); www.ocregister.com/articles/jury-park-family-1916129-kept-tran
Javier William Victorianne – black, age 22
Sentenced in Riverside County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: July 29, 1999; July 31, 2000
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Victorianne raped and strangled Maria “Lisa” Boyd (age 37) in 1999 and Amanda Hoffman (age 16) in 2000. Boyd was found hanged in a Riverside motel room closet and Hoffman was found hanging from a tree limb in public park in Banning. DNA evidence was used in each conviction. The prosecution argued that Victorianne went to Boyd’s motel room and an argument ensued. Victorianne broke a lamp over Boyd’s head and tied her up with electrical cords, possibly using one to choke her in and out of consciousness while he raped her. Regarding Hoffman, the prosecution argued Victorianne met the teen at a house party and lured her into a park in the pre-dawn hours with the promise of a job interview. Victorianne strangled Hoffman with her own clothing and hung her from a tree limb. The jury also found the special circumstance of rape.
Prosecutor(s): Michael Hestrin
Defense lawyer(s): Regina Filippone, John Aquilina
Sources: www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_H_victorianne30.41687e8.html; cbs2.com/local/victorianne.rape.murder.2.687172.html; www.signonsandiego.com/news/riverside/20080206-1725-predator.html; www.la.cityzine.com/2008/03/28/courtroom-man-gets-death-penalty-for-strangling-and-killing-2-women/; www.signonsandiego.com/news/riverside/20080125-0321-murder.html
By: a jury
Date of crime: July 29, 1999; July 31, 2000
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Victorianne raped and strangled Maria “Lisa” Boyd (age 37) in 1999 and Amanda Hoffman (age 16) in 2000. Boyd was found hanged in a Riverside motel room closet and Hoffman was found hanging from a tree limb in public park in Banning. DNA evidence was used in each conviction. The prosecution argued that Victorianne went to Boyd’s motel room and an argument ensued. Victorianne broke a lamp over Boyd’s head and tied her up with electrical cords, possibly using one to choke her in and out of consciousness while he raped her. Regarding Hoffman, the prosecution argued Victorianne met the teen at a house party and lured her into a park in the pre-dawn hours with the promise of a job interview. Victorianne strangled Hoffman with her own clothing and hung her from a tree limb. The jury also found the special circumstance of rape.
Prosecutor(s): Michael Hestrin
Defense lawyer(s): Regina Filippone, John Aquilina
Sources: www.pe.com/localnews/inland/stories/PE_News_Local_H_victorianne30.41687e8.html; cbs2.com/local/victorianne.rape.murder.2.687172.html; www.signonsandiego.com/news/riverside/20080206-1725-predator.html; www.la.cityzine.com/2008/03/28/courtroom-man-gets-death-penalty-for-strangling-and-killing-2-women/; www.signonsandiego.com/news/riverside/20080125-0321-murder.html
Brendt Anthony Volarvich – white, age 19
Sentenced in Yolo County, California
By: a jury
Date of crime: November 17, 2005
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Volarvich murdered California Highway Patrol Officer Andy Stevens (age 37). Volarvich shot Stevens in the face during a traffic stop. The prosecution argued that Volarich, a convicted felon, killed Stevens because he did not want to return to jail. Volvarich was death eligible for the following special circumstances: shooting an officer and shooting from a vehicle.
Prosecutor(s): Jeff Reisig, David Henderson
Defense lawyer(s): Clyde Blackmon, Fred Dawson
Sources: The Sacramento Bee 5/7/08 (2008 WLNR 8611654); AP Alert 6/12/08 – CA 21:43:17; www.adl.org/learn/extremism_in_the_news/White_Supremacy/Volarvich+5-08.htm?LEARN_Cat=Extremism&LEARN_SubCat=Extremism_in_the_News; www.splcenter.org/intel/intelreport/article.jsp?aid=917
By: a jury
Date of crime: November 17, 2005
Prosecution’s case/defense response: Volarvich murdered California Highway Patrol Officer Andy Stevens (age 37). Volarvich shot Stevens in the face during a traffic stop. The prosecution argued that Volarich, a convicted felon, killed Stevens because he did not want to return to jail. Volvarich was death eligible for the following special circumstances: shooting an officer and shooting from a vehicle.
Prosecutor(s): Jeff Reisig, David Henderson
Defense lawyer(s): Clyde Blackmon, Fred Dawson
Sources: The Sacramento Bee 5/7/08 (2008 WLNR 8611654); AP Alert 6/12/08 – CA 21:43:17; www.adl.org/learn/extremism_in_the_news/White_Supremacy/Volarvich+5-08.htm?LEARN_Cat=Extremism&LEARN_SubCat=Extremism_in_the_News; www.splcenter.org/intel/intelreport/article.jsp?aid=917