Jurors Vote Death Penalty for Slayer of 5

A Los Angeles Superior Court jury Thursday recommended the death penalty for Keith Tyrone (Ace Capone) Fudge, a gang member convicted of five counts of first-degree murder stemming from a shooting spree at a South Los Angeles birthday party in October, 1984.

“The crimes were brutal, very serious crimes,” jury foreman Paul Taylor said outside the courtroom after the recommendation was read before Judge Ronald E. Cappai.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Patrick R. Dixon, who prosecuted the case, termed the jury’s decision “well-justified (because) . . . the man is a monster, he killed a lot of innocent kids.”

Fudge, 21, was accused of gunning down the youngsters, ages 14 to 18, after driving to the party to retaliate against Percy Brewer, 17, a member of a rival gang. Fudge believed Percy had stolen his car. Percy was among the five youths killed in the attack, which authorities described as one of the worst incidents of gang violence in the city’s history. Two co-defendants of Fudge are still awaiting trial.

Jurors said they took 13 ballots before reaching a unanimous decision during six days of deliberations.

“A lot of people had very strong convictions about taking someone’s life . . . (but) it was a heinous crime,” explained juror Aubrey Tindle, 33, of Los Angeles.

Cappai set a Nov. 13 sentencing date for Fudge, who showed no emotion as the jury’s recommendation was read.