Pistol Provider Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter
A suspected gang member pleaded guilty Friday to voluntary manslaughter for providing the pistol used to kill a Van Nuys man last year.
Christian Alfredo Cruz, 20, of Van Nuys, admitted playing a role in the April 10, 1987, shooting on the corner of Blythe Street and Willis Avenue in Van Nuys. Fidel Para Flores, 20, was killed, and Jacinto Rincon, 17, was wounded in what police called “a turf battle” between drug dealers.
The shooting happened after Flores argued with Miguel Angel Zarajoza about who would sell marijuana at the street corner, Los Angeles Police Detective Pat Anguiano said.
Zarajoza, 19, left the area and met Cruz, who gave him the handgun, Anguiano said. Zarajoza returned with Cruz to the corner and shot Flores and Rincon, the detective said.
Flores, Cruz and Zarajoza are suspected gang members, Anguiano said. He said Rincon was a bystander who had entered the United States several days before the shooting.
Police believe Zarajoza fled to Mexico after the incident. A warrant has been issued for Zarajoza’s arrest on suspicion of murder.
Van Nuys Superior Court Judge Judith M. Ashmann scheduled sentencing April 22. Cruz could receive a maximum of 13 years in prison.
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