PORT HUENEME : Killer Sentenced to 18 Years to Life
A 20-year-old Port Hueneme man who prosecutors say wanted to “be cool” and hang around gang members was sentenced to 18 years to life in prison in connection with a December slaying at a Ventura motel.
Superior Court Judge Charles R. McGrath handed out the sentence to Steven Hidalgo, who pleaded guilty last month to second-degree murder and using a firearm.
Paul Martinez, 21, of Los Angeles was gunned down on the second-floor balcony at Motel 6 on Johnson Drive on Dec. 18. Martinez did not know his attackers, who included Hidalgo and at least two other men.
Shaun Bolo, 20, and his brother, Willard, 23, have also been charged with murder in the case. Trials for the two Oxnard men are pending.
Two others also have been charged with being accessories to the murder. They are Naomi Honohan, 19, of Port Hueneme, and Alfonso Cortez, 21, of Oxnard.
Deputy Dist. Atty. Matthew J. Hardy said the victim and the defendants were attending separate parties at the motel when the shooting occurred. He said Hidalgo had no criminal record and was employed.
“He just decided he was going to go to a party and be a cool guy by flashing guns,” Hardy said. “He’s going to pay for it with the rest of his life.”
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