Man gets 50 years to life for fatally shooting Pico Rivera teen
PICO RIVERA -- A gang member received a sentenced of 50 years to life in prison Friday for shooting a 17-year-old Pico Rivera boy in 2009, authorities said.
Edward Ortega, 23, was convicted along with Dennis Flores, 20, in February in of murdering Erick Roche Jr. on Nov. 19, 2009. The jury also found true the special allegation that killing was carried out for the benefit of a criminal street gang -- Rivera 13.
The men confronted Roche at the entrance to an alley in the 6400 block of Rosemead Boulevard in Pico Rivera and asked him what gang he was affiliated with, a homicide detective testified during court proceeding.
When the teen replied that he was not in a gang, Ortega fired twice, killing Roche, officials said.
Flores is due back in Norwalk Superior Court to be sentenced for his role in the killing March 4, court officials said.
CONTRIBUTORS
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| 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. |
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Brian Day is the crime reporter for the San Gabriel Valley Newspaper group. E-mail Brian. |
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