27-Year Term Imposed in Drug-Sales Slaying
A Compton man was sentenced Tuesday to 27 years to life in state prison for killing a Pacoima man during a drug transaction.
Roderick Earl Daniels, 27, was convicted last month in San Fernando Superior Court of the Feb. 25 shooting of Darren Moss, 21, who reportedly worked for Daniels selling drugs.
Deputy Dist. Atty. Shellie Samuels argued during the trial that Daniels killed Moss because Moss withheld $20 from a drug sale. Daniels wanted to deter others from skimming money from the drug operation, Samuels said.
Moss’ body was found Feb. 26 along the Foothill Freeway near Maclay Street.
Daniels testified that the shooting occurred after Moss tried to rob him. According to a probation report, Daniels admitted selling cocaine but said he was trying to protect himself from Moss.
Witnesses said Daniels commuted to Pacoima six days a week to sell drugs.
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