California IN BRIEF : STOCKTON : Man Is Sentenced in ‘Colors’ Murder

A sentence of 27 years to life in prison was ordered for a man convicted of murdering an apparent rival gang member who was waiting in line outside a Stockton theater to see the movie “Colors,” which portrays Los Angeles street gangs. Charles Vaney Queen of Los Angeles was convicted of first-degree murder in the April 24, 1988, slaying of David Dawson, 19, of Stockton. Police said Queen, 23, and two friends had just seen “Colors” at the Regency Theater and reportedly were upset at the way it portrayed their gang, the Bloods. As they left, they got into an argument with Dawson, who witnesses said was wearing blue clothing associated with the Crips gang. Queen testified that he fired his gun in self-defense because he thought Dawson was reaching for a gun. Queen was found guilty by a jury in Contra Costa County, where the trial was moved because of publicity in Stockton.