15-Year-Old Sent to CYA for Slaying
A 15-year-old gang member was sentenced Monday to the California Youth Authority for killing an 11-year-old girl and critically wounding her aunt during a drive-by attack on rival gang members.
The juvenile defendant, whose name was withheld because of his age, can be held at the CYA until age 25.
He was sentenced by Los Angeles Juvenile Court Commissioner Jack Gold, who convicted him July 26 of one count each of first-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, drive-by shooting, assault with a deadly weapon and conspiracy to commit murder.
Deputy Dist. Atty. Barry Bradley said the gang member was one of two gunmen who opened fired from their passing car on rival gang members in the Pico-Union district last Feb. 25.
Walking near the rivals when the shooting started were Blanca Cabrera and two of her nieces, ages 11 and 14. The 11-year-old, Jasmine Guevara, was struck in the head by a shotgun blast and killed.
The aunt was also struck by gunfire and was critically wounded. The 14-year-old fell to the ground to avoid being struck and escaped injury.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
