FIVE CHARGED IN COVINA HILLS 187 *
Five persons have been charged in the March murder of Michelle Chien, aka Hsia Hong Hsu.
Here's an excerpt of the charge sheet from the DAs office:
BOOKING BAIL CUSTODY
DEFENDANT CII NO. DOB NO. RECOM'D R'TN DATE
SANTANA, CHRISTOPHER KEVIN NO BAIL
MAURTUA, VICTOR MANUEL NO BAIL
STRATIS, CHRISTOPHER NO BAIL
ALEGRE, CHRISTINE NO BAIL
FERNANDEZ, MEGALI NO BAIL
You can see the DAs indictment on the jump
All are looking at potential death sentences. Maurtua remains at large.
*All this information jibes with a story we published Saturday indicating the arrests had ocurred.
Rev. 920-6/03 DA Case 28312007 Page 1 Case No. KA083187
The undersigned is informed and believes that:
COUNT 1
On or about March 19, 2008, in the County of Los Angeles, the crime of MURDER, in violation of PENAL CODE SECTION 187(a), a Felony, was committed by CHRISTOPHER KEVIN SANTANA, VICTOR MANUEL MAURTUA, III, CHRISTOPHER STRATIS, CHRISTINE ALEGRE and MEGALI FERNANDEZ, who did unlawfully, and with malice aforethought murder MICHELLE HSU HONG, a human being.
"NOTICE: The above offense is a serious felony within the meaning of Penal Code Section 1192.7(c) and a violent felony within the meaning of Penal Code Section 667.5(c)."
It is further alleged that a principal personally and intentionally discharged a firearm, a handgun , which proximately caused great bodily injury and death to MICHELLE HSU HONG within the meaning of Penal Code section 12022.53(d) and (e)(1).
It is further alleged that a principal personally and intentionally discharged a firearm, a handgun , within the meaning of Penal Code section 12022.53(c) and (e)(1).
It is further alleged that a principal personally used a firearm, a handgun , within the meaning of Penal Code sections 12022.53(b) and (e).
It is further alleged that the murder of MICHELLE HSU HONG was committed by defendant(s), CHRISTINE ALEGRE, CHRISTOPHER KEVIN SANTANA, MEGALI FERNANDEZ, CHRISTOPHER STRATIS and VICTOR MANUEL MAURTUA, III while the said defendant was/were engaged in the commission of the crime of burglary in the first and second degree in violation of Section 460, within the meaning of Penal Code Section 190.2(a)(17).
It is further alleged that the murder of MICHELLE HSU HONG was committed by the defendant(s), CHRISTOPHER KEVIN SANTANA for the purpose of avoiding and preventing a lawful arrest and perfecting and attempting to perfect an escape from lawful custody, within the meaning of Penal Code Section 190.2(a)(5).
It is further alleged pursuant to Penal Code section 186.22(b)(1)(C) that the above offense was committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, and in association with a criminal street gang with the specific intent to promote, further and assist in criminal conduct by gang members. Said act also caused the above offense to become a serious felony pursuant to Penal Code section 1192.7(c)(8).
* * * * *
NOTICE: Conviction of this offense will require the defendant to provide DNA samples and print impressions pursuant to Penal Code sections 296 and 296.1. Willful refusal to provide the samples and impressions is a crime.
NOTICE: The People of the State of California intend to present evidence and seek jury findings regarding all applicable circumstances in aggravation, pursuant to Penal Code section 1170(b) and Cunningham v. California 2007 U.S. LEXIS 1324.
Further, attached hereto and incorporated herein are official reports and documents of a law enforcement agency which the undersigned believes establish probable cause for the arrest of defendant(s) CHRISTOPHER KEVIN SANTANA, VICTOR MANUEL MAURTUA, III, CHRISTOPHER STRATIS, CHRISTINE ALEGRE, MEGALI FERNANDEZ for the above-listed crimes. Wherefore, a warrant of arrest is requested for CHRISTOPHER KEVIN SANTANA, VICTOR MANUEL MAURTUA, III, CHRISTOPHER STRATIS, CHRISTINE ALEGRE, MEGALI FERNANDEZ.
I DECLARE UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY THAT THE FOREGOING IS TRUE AND CORRECT AND THAT THIS COMPLAINT, CASE NUMBER KA083187, CONSISTS OF 1 COUNT(S).
Executed at POMONA, County of Los Angeles, on May 28, 2008.
_____________________________________
MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ
DECLARANT AND COMPLAINANT
Steve Cooley, DISTRICT ATTORNEY
BY: ___________________________________
BOOKING BAIL CUSTODY
DEFENDANT CII NO. DOB NO. RECOM'D R'TN DATE
It appearing to the Court that probable cause exists for the issuance of a warrant of arrest for the above-named defendant(s), the warrant is so ordered.
DATE: ___________________________________
Judge of the Above Entitled Court
NON-WARRANT DEFENDANTS:
BOOKING BAIL CUSTODY
DEFENDANT CII NO. DOB NO. RECOM'D R'TN DATE
FELONY COMPLAINT -- ORDER HOLDING TO ANSWER -- P.C. SECTION 872
It appearing to me from the evidence presented that the following offense(s) has/have been committed and that there is sufficient cause to believe that the following defendant(s) guilty thereof, to wit:
(Strike out or add as applicable)
CHRISTOPHER KEVIN SANTANA
VICTOR MANUEL MAURTUA, III
CHRISTOPHER STRATIS
CHRISTINE ALEGRE
MEGALI FERNANDEZ
I order that the defendant(s) be held to answer therefore and be admitted to bail in the sum of:
and be committed to the custody of the Sheriff of Los Angeles County until such bail is given. Date of arraignment in Superior Court will be:
FELONY COMPLAINT FOR ARREST WARRANT
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
FOR THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
FOR THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
Plaintiff,
01 CHRISTOPHER KEVIN SANTANA (09/11/1988), 02 VICTOR MANUEL MAURTUA, III (04/06/1989), 03 CHRISTOPHER STRATIS (02/04/1991), 04 CHRISTINE ALEGRE (06/25/1991), and 05 MEGALI FERNANDEZ (08/10/1990) Defendant(s). |
FELONY COMPLAINT FOR ARREST WARRANT |
The undersigned is informed and believes that:
COUNT 1
On or about March 19, 2008, in the County of Los Angeles, the crime of MURDER, in violation of PENAL CODE SECTION 187(a), a Felony, was committed by CHRISTOPHER KEVIN SANTANA, VICTOR MANUEL MAURTUA, III, CHRISTOPHER STRATIS, CHRISTINE ALEGRE and MEGALI FERNANDEZ, who did unlawfully, and with malice aforethought murder MICHELLE HSU HONG, a human being.
"NOTICE: The above offense is a serious felony within the meaning of Penal Code Section 1192.7(c) and a violent felony within the meaning of Penal Code Section 667.5(c)."
It is further alleged that a principal personally and intentionally discharged a firearm, a handgun , which proximately caused great bodily injury and death to MICHELLE HSU HONG within the meaning of Penal Code section 12022.53(d) and (e)(1).
It is further alleged that a principal personally and intentionally discharged a firearm, a handgun , within the meaning of Penal Code section 12022.53(c) and (e)(1).
It is further alleged that a principal personally used a firearm, a handgun , within the meaning of Penal Code sections 12022.53(b) and (e).
It is further alleged that the murder of MICHELLE HSU HONG was committed by defendant(s), CHRISTINE ALEGRE, CHRISTOPHER KEVIN SANTANA, MEGALI FERNANDEZ, CHRISTOPHER STRATIS and VICTOR MANUEL MAURTUA, III while the said defendant was/were engaged in the commission of the crime of burglary in the first and second degree in violation of Section 460, within the meaning of Penal Code Section 190.2(a)(17).
It is further alleged that the murder of MICHELLE HSU HONG was committed by the defendant(s), CHRISTOPHER KEVIN SANTANA for the purpose of avoiding and preventing a lawful arrest and perfecting and attempting to perfect an escape from lawful custody, within the meaning of Penal Code Section 190.2(a)(5).
It is further alleged pursuant to Penal Code section 186.22(b)(1)(C) that the above offense was committed for the benefit of, at the direction of, and in association with a criminal street gang with the specific intent to promote, further and assist in criminal conduct by gang members. Said act also caused the above offense to become a serious felony pursuant to Penal Code section 1192.7(c)(8).
* * * * *
NOTICE: Conviction of this offense will require the defendant to provide DNA samples and print impressions pursuant to Penal Code sections 296 and 296.1. Willful refusal to provide the samples and impressions is a crime.
NOTICE: The People of the State of California intend to present evidence and seek jury findings regarding all applicable circumstances in aggravation, pursuant to Penal Code section 1170(b) and Cunningham v. California 2007 U.S. LEXIS 1324.
Further, attached hereto and incorporated herein are official reports and documents of a law enforcement agency which the undersigned believes establish probable cause for the arrest of defendant(s) CHRISTOPHER KEVIN SANTANA, VICTOR MANUEL MAURTUA, III, CHRISTOPHER STRATIS, CHRISTINE ALEGRE, MEGALI FERNANDEZ for the above-listed crimes. Wherefore, a warrant of arrest is requested for CHRISTOPHER KEVIN SANTANA, VICTOR MANUEL MAURTUA, III, CHRISTOPHER STRATIS, CHRISTINE ALEGRE, MEGALI FERNANDEZ.
I DECLARE UNDER PENALTY OF PERJURY THAT THE FOREGOING IS TRUE AND CORRECT AND THAT THIS COMPLAINT, CASE NUMBER KA083187, CONSISTS OF 1 COUNT(S).
Executed at POMONA, County of Los Angeles, on May 28, 2008.
______________________________
MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ
DECLARANT AND COMPLAINANT
Steve Cooley, DISTRICT ATTORNEY
BY: ______________________________
- IAN PHAN, DEPUTY
| AGENCY: | LASD - HOMICIDE BUREAU | I/O: | MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ | ID NO.: | 275822 | PHONE : | (323) 890-5500 |
| DR NO.: | 008024212941011 | OPERATOR: | JR | PRELIM. TIME EST.: |
BOOKING BAIL CUSTODY
DEFENDANT CII NO. DOB NO. RECOM'D R'TN DATE
| SANTANA, CHRISTOPHER KEVIN | 029217078 | 9/11/1988 | NO BAIL | ||
| MAURTUA, VICTOR MANUEL III | 027452356 | 4/6/1989 | NO BAIL | ||
| STRATIS, CHRISTOPHER | 2/4/1991 | NO BAIL | |||
| ALEGRE, CHRISTINE | 6/25/1991 | NO BAIL | |||
| FERNANDEZ, MEGALI | 8/10/1990 | NO BAIL |
It appearing to the Court that probable cause exists for the issuance of a warrant of arrest for the above-named defendant(s), the warrant is so ordered.
| CHRISTOPHER SANTANA | BAIL: $______________________________ |
| VICTOR MAURTUA | BAIL: $______________________________ |
| CHRISTOPHER STRATIS | BAIL: $______________________________ |
| CHRISTINE ALEGRE | BAIL: $______________________________ |
| MEGALI FERNANDEZ | BAIL: $______________________________ |
DATE: ______________________________
Judge of the Above Entitled Court
NON-WARRANT DEFENDANTS:
BOOKING BAIL CUSTODY
DEFENDANT CII NO. DOB NO. RECOM'D R'TN DATE
It appearing to me from the evidence presented that the following offense(s) has/have been committed and that there is sufficient cause to believe that the following defendant(s) guilty thereof, to wit:
(Strike out or add as applicable)
CHRISTOPHER KEVIN SANTANA
| Count No. | Charge | Charge Range | Special Allegation | Alleg. Effect |
| 1 | PC 187(a) | Check Code | PC 190.2(a)(5) | LWOP/Death |
| PC 190.2(a)(17) | LWOP/Death | |||
| PC 186.22(b)(1)(c) | +10 Yrs. | |||
| PC 12022.53(d) | +25Y-Life, MSP* |
VICTOR MANUEL MAURTUA, III
| Count No. | Charge | Charge Range | Special Allegation | Alleg. Effect |
| 1 | PC 187(a) | Check Code | PC 186.22(b)(1)(c) | +10 Yrs. |
| PC 190.2(a)(17) | LWOP/Death | |||
| PC 12022.53(d) | +25Y-Life, MSP* |
CHRISTOPHER STRATIS
| Count No. | Charge | Charge Range | Special Allegation | Alleg. Effect |
| 1 | PC 187(a) | Check Code | PC 186.22(b)(1)(c) | +10 Yrs. |
| PC 12022.53(d) | +25Y-Life, MSP* | |||
| PC 190.2(a)(17) | LWOP/Death |
CHRISTINE ALEGRE
| Count No. | Charge | Charge Range | Special Allegation | Alleg. Effect |
| 1 | PC 187(a) | Check Code | PC 12022.53(d) | +25Y-Life, MSP* |
| PC 190.2(a)(17) | LWOP/Death | |||
| PC 186.22(b)(1)(c) | +10 Yrs. |
MEGALI FERNANDEZ
| Count No. | Charge | Charge Range | Special Allegation | Alleg. Effect |
| 1 | PC 187(a) | Check Code | PC 12022.53(d) | +25Y-Life, MSP* |
| PC 190.2(a)(17) | LWOP/Death | |||
| PC 186.22(b)(1)(c) | +10 Yrs. |
I order that the defendant(s) be held to answer therefore and be admitted to bail in the sum of:
- CHRISTOPHER KEVIN SANTANA ______________________________ Dollars
VICTOR MANUEL MAURTUA, III ______________________________ Dollars
CHRISTOPHER STRATIS ______________________________ Dollars
CHRISTINE ALEGRE ______________________________ Dollars
MEGALI FERNANDEZ ______________________________ Dollars
and be committed to the custody of the Sheriff of Los Angeles County until such bail is given. Date of arraignment in Superior Court will be:
CHRISTOPHER KEVIN SANTANA ______________________ in Dept _______
VICTOR MANUEL MAURTUA, III ______________________ in Dept _______
CHRISTOPHER STRATIS ______________________ in Dept _______
CHRISTINE ALEGRE ______________________ in Dept _______
MEGALI FERNANDEZ ______________________ in Dept _______
- at: A.M.
Date: ______________________________
13 Comments
Leave a comment
CONTRIBUTORS
|
| Frank Girardot, Metro Editor for the San Gabriel Valley Newspapers, brings you behind the yellow tape with takes on true crime, cold cases and more. This is also your forum to discuss crime, its impact on your neighborhood and how we cover it. Have any questions or tips? You can leave a comment here or e-mail Frank. |
|
|
Brian Day is the crime reporter for the San Gabriel Valley Newspaper group. E-mail Brian. |
By saying "remains at large" they of course mean south of the border, free of extradition.
@tb
Your comment alledges he is a mexican national. how did you jump into that conclusion? just because of his name?
He could be south of the border, yes. But if he happens to be a US born citizen, he will be extradited.
All ages 17 to 19. What a waste of life.
True, it is unfair to illegal aliens and Americans of Mexican descent, to assume everyone with a Hispanic surname is a Mexican citizen, or illegal alien.
What school district accepts responsibility for the education of these criminals?
All 5 are american citizens!!! And the oldest one (Chris Santana) is a reserve for the Marines!!! guess WHO thought him how to fire a gun!
Yes they are guilty of their actions, but what was the motive? It was definitvely not burglary, everything was untouched. High tech security system was deactivated and the doors were unlocked. Has any one paid attention to the husband? There was infidelity going on in that marriage and the guy is drowning in money. I think we have a new suspect! I really hope justice is served this time and the real murderer is aprehended.
i dont think there should be any fingers pointed
to who was the gun man until all defendants
are capture
chris i really pray you werent the
gun man ... i know you werent!
NOT TO MENTION VICTOR MANUEL MAURTUA HAS 2 CHILDREN BOTH ARE GIRLS, LESS THAN 3 YEARS!
THESE KIDS WERE MOTIVATED AND BRAINWASHED BY SOMEONE.C'MON IF THIS WAS JUST A RANDOM BURGLARY WHY DIDNT THESE KIDS RUN OFF AS SOON AS THEY KNEW SOMEONE WAS HOME.SOMEONE ELSE WITH SOMETHING TO GAIN INFLUENCED ONE OF THESE KIDS BY MONEY,THREATS,AND OR BLACKMALE.AND ITS MORE THAN LIKELY THE ONE WHOS ON THE RUN HAS THE ANSWERS.FIND HIM FIRST BEFORE THESE KIDS ARE SENTENCED.YEAH THESE KIDS ARE GUILTY OF BEING THERE TO COMMIT A CRIME OF BURGLARY.BUT I BELIEVE THEY WERE SET UP BY ONE,MAYBE TWO OF THOSE KIDS AND ANOTHER PERSON.I WOULD DEFENITELY LOOK AT THE HUSBAND.IT JUST DOESNT MAKE SENSE.SOMEONE MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR THESE KIDS TO GET IN UNNOTICED AND ITS THAT PERSON WHO SHOULD SPEND THE REST OF THERE LIFE IN JAIL.I ALSO BELIEVE THAT THE ONE WHO SET THIS UP IS ALSO PAYING THE EXPENSES TO KEEP THAT ONE KID WHOS ON THE RUN HIDDEN.ONE MORE THING WHAT DOES IT MATTER WHAT NATIONALITY THEY ARE?WHAT WHITE, BLACK,ASIAN,ETC.KIDS HAVE NEVER COMMITED A CRIME.
i went to school with christine alegre and as for the comments about her schooling, i feel that the schooling had absolutely NOTHING to do with what she did! especially because she was rarely ever literally or mentally at school. she was known to do a variety of drugs and was always one of the "bad" kids since i first met her in the 6th grade. im sorry for the tragedy this family has faced and i hope all the suspects are caught! and i hope they get what they deserve! >=T
Not really "free of extradition," Mr. Victor Manuel Maurtua was arrested today January 12, 2009, in Tijuana. According to news reports published in Mexico, Mr. Maurtua was arrested for public disturbance. He was yelling obscenities at a public street in Tijuana. When he was approached by Mexican police, he told them that they could not arrest him "because he is an American citizen." When the Mexican policed checked his record, they found he is a fugitive. The Mexican Federal Police are processing him today to be extradited back to LA to face justice. http://www.frontera.info/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Noticias/12012009/351185.aspx
VICTOR MANUEL MAURTUA, III (04/06/1989) just arrested in Mexico facing extradition
im praying fo u all especially u chris....no matter what happens la familia will always pray fo u man we love u.