Torrance Man, 18, Pleads Guilty in Carson Slaying
A Torrance youth has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for shooting a Carson man to death in the back of his van last June.
Felipe Antonio Cruz Jr., 18, faces from 17 years to life in prison when he is sentenced Nov. 13 by Torrance Superior Court Judge William Hollingsworth. He made his guilty plea Monday.
Cruz shot Randy Vicars, 34, twice as the victim sat in the back of his van, which was found parked behind a liquor store on Crenshaw Boulevard in Torrance, police say. The victim’s wallet and car keys were missing.
Cruz allegedly told friends that he shot Vicars in self-defense when the older man made sexual advances toward him, the reports say.
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