Example of graffiti, but not graffiti in neighbor’s murder. Photo via Pixabay
Three gang members were convicted Wednesday of murdering a neighbor of one of the defendants for complaining days earlier about graffiti in front of his Arleta home.
Christopher “Piso” Adauta, 21, was found guilty of first-degree murder for the early morning attack on Edgar Barrientos, 37, in the 8800 block of Beachy Avenue on Dec. 21, 2014.
The victim’s neighbor, Javier “Fects” Garcia, 23, and co-defendant Oscar “Crudo” Sanchez, 30, were each found guilty of second-degree murder.
The three were also convicted of attempted murder and assault with a knife involving two neighbors who came to Barrientos’ aid, and jurors found that the crimes were committed for the benefit of a criminal street gang.
The three did “donuts” in a car in front of Barrientos’ house in an effort to lure him outside about 4 a.m. the day of the killing, said Deputy District Attorney Robert Rabbani.
Barrientos had complained days before about graffiti left in front of his house by one of Garcia’s fellow gang members, which was the motivation for the murder, the prosecutor said.
The defendants beat the victim to the ground twice after he came outside, then turned their attention on two neighbors who came to his aid. Barrientos was then fatally stabbed by Adauta, Rabbani said.
Garcia was taken into custody later that day, and Adauta and Garcia were arrested the next month.
They are each facing potential life prison terms, with sentencing set for Nov. 15 at the San Fernando courthouse.
–City News Service
>> Want to read more stories like this? Get our Free Daily Newsletters Here!