Deadly beating case goes to jury

Jurors will now decide whether three family members should be held responsible for the deadly beating of 22-year-old Jerry Ramirez with a shovel in November 2005.
Lawyers in the trial of Benjamin Hernandez, his brother Edward Hernandez and Alfred Rodriguez wrapped up their closing arguments on Wednesday and Tuesday in San Bernardino Superior Court, according to court records.
Authorities have focused on a dispute over Ramirez's intimate relationship with a then 15-year-old Tina Lopez, the daughter of Benjamin Hernandez, in investigating the death.
Ramirez was taken to a carport at an East Pumalo Street residence and beaten multiple times with a shovel about noon on Nov. 18, 2005, according to prosecutors.
Witnesses reported hearing and seeing the beating. Still alive after the beating, Ramirez was rolled up in blankets, put into the trunk of a car and taken from the home.
The victim's body was found dumped in Waterman Canyon with several gunshot wounds to the head on Nov. 20, 2005.
Prosecutors charged the defendants with murder and conspiracy.
Defense lawyers for the men have denied their clients involvement.
A fourth man, Edward Vincent Hernandez, the son of Edward Hernandez, is awaiting trial and returns to court Friday for a readiness hearing.