After two deadlocked murder trials, a third jury convicted an alleged gang member Monday April 11, 2011 of murdering three people, including a 10-year-old boy, on a South L.A. street in what became known as the 49th Street Massacre.
Among the victims was David Marcial, 10, who had been riding his bicycle with his 12-year-old brother outside their home on the 1100 block of East 49th Street; his uncle, Larry Marcial, 22; and a neighbor, Luis Cervantes, 17. David's brother was shot but survived.
Ryan T. Moore, 37, was convicted of murder,
attempted murder and
conspiracy in the 2006 attack, which shocked the city and was part of a series of high-profile interracial gang crimes that stoked fears of a possible race war.
Last year, a jury found Charles Ray Smith, 42, guilty of the murders but could not reach a unanimous verdict on whether he should be executed.
Smith's retrial in the death penalty phase of his case is expected to take place in the summer. The prosecution's case against both men revolved around a key witness, Alicia Merceron, who admitted driving the car in the two killings. She identified Smith and Moore as the gunmen.
Defense attorneys have accused Merceron, 27, of lying to save herself from the death penalty or a lengthy prison term. In exchange for her testimony, prosecutors allowed her to plead guilty to manslaughter, and she is expected to be sentenced to seven years in prison.
The gunmen, armed with AK-47 assault rifles, mistook the victims as rival gang members in a bloody feud between two local gangs.
The jury now must decide whether Moore should receive the death penalty. Previous juries deadlocked, voting 7-5 and 10-2 in favor of convicting Moore.
These are very serious criminal charges and a conviction of these charges can change your life and the lives of your family. The penalties can be as serious as to 25 years to life in prison.
If you or a loved one has been charged with murder,
attempted murder, or
conspiracy
contact us at
Hedding Law Firm and let us be your advocate. Our skilled team will gather and contest all the evidence presented against you and will strive to get you the best possible results. Help us help you get your criminal matter under control.