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Press Release- Two Gang Members Convicted in Carson Teenager's Fatal Shooting

Two Gang Members Convicted in Carson Teenager's Fatal Shooting

After a day of deliberations, jurors today (Tuesday, June 11, 2013)convicted two gang members charged with the fatal shooting of a Carson teenager, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced.

Deputy District Attorney Tony Aguilar of the Hardcore Gang Division, Compton Branch Office, said Luis Torres, 22, and Darnell Jones, 21, each were convicted of first-degree murder. Jurors also found true gang and gun allegations.

Judge Eleanor J. Hunter ordered the defendants to return for sentencing on July 19 in Department G of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Compton Branch.

Torres faces a maximum prison term of 75 years to life. Jones may be sentenced up to 50 years to life in state prison.

A third defendant, Ronald Armstrong, 24, pleaded guilty in October 2012 to one count each of manslaughter and assault with a deadly weapon, a firearm. Armstrong also admitted principal armed and gang allegations. Armstrong is expected to be sentenced at a later date to 15 years in state prison.

Torres and Jones, members of the criminal street gang Carver Park Crips, fatally shot Michael Owens, 19, of Carson, on Jan. 26, 2009, as the victim walked home from school. The shooting took place at about 2:15 p.m. on 132nd Street and Riddle Avenue in Compton. The victim, who was wearing headphones at the time of the murder, was shot multiple times in the back.

Owens was not a gang member, according to the prosecutor. The young man’s father had just returned home from military duty when his son was murdered.

The case was investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
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About the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office
Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey leads the largest local prosecutorial office in the nation. Her staff of nearly 1,000 attorneys, 300 investigators and 800 support staff members is dedicated to seeking justice for victims of crime and enhancing public safety. Annually, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office prosecutes more than 60,000 felonies and 140,000 misdemeanor crimes.

PRESS RELEASE FORWARDED FROM LOS ANGELES COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE

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