CAMARILLO : Teen May Face 3-Strikes Trial in Robbery Case
In what may be the first three-strikes trial for a minor in Ventura County, a 17-year-old Camarillo youth accused of robbing a man at gunpoint in Somis during a lengthy crime spree will be tried as an adult.
Jose Duarte was one of four Camarillo teenagers who took part in a Dec. 3 crime spree that included a drive-by shooting in Camarillo, an armed robbery outside the Somis Market and the shooting death of 25-year-old Jesus Zamudio Manjarrez of Moorpark, authorities say.
Miguel Castro of Camarillo is charged with killing Zamudio.
Duarte is only charged with the Somis robbery, but in a Juvenile Court hearing Thursday, Judge Steven Perren ruled that he will be tried as an adult because he continues to be involved with gangs despite previous attempts at rehabilitation.
Citing a recent state court ruling, Deputy Dist. Atty. Matthew Hardy said the district attorney’s office may file two strikes against Duarte for his previous juvenile offenses--making it a three-strikes case.
Duarte was convicted of robbery and attempted robbery in two separate incidents when he was 16.
He was released from jail Friday on $55,000 bail and will be arraigned in Municipal Court on Tuesday.
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