Man Convicted of Killing Rival Gang Member

After deliberating for less than two days, a jury convicted a 20-year-old man of second-degree murder Thursday for killing a rival Santa Ana gang member on a street corner.

The defendant, Rafael Salgado, sat expressionless as the verdict was read. He could face 15 years to life in prison for the shooting death of 21-year-old Ruben Hector Rodriguez.

The prosecution said Salgado was out looking for a member of a rival gang whom he suspected of crossing out his gang’s graffiti when he encountered Rodriguez on West Lingan Lane in October 1995.

Words were exchanged, then a scuffle broke out. Salgado then pulled out a gun and shot Rodriguez in the shoulder. The bullet ricocheted into his heart.

Defense attorney Edward Eisler contended during the five-day trial that the shooting was in self-defense.

“Whatever happened on that street was not murder,” Eisler said. “In my opinion, it was manslaughter--at the worst.”

Eisler would not concede that Salgado was present at the scene of Rodriguez’s death but argued that, even if he was, he acted in self-defense. Eisler questioned the credibility of two gang members who testified against Salgado during the trial.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Chris Kralick was attending a funeral and was not present when the verdict was read. He could not be reached for comment Thursday.

Members of Salgado’s family showed little reaction when the verdict was handed down, but outside the courtroom later they broke down in tears. They declined to comment on the verdict.

The jury had the option of convicting Salgado of either first- or second-degree murder. The jury foreman, who asked not to be identified, said the panel had difficulty finding enough evidence to support a conviction for premeditated murder. But he said basic facts of the case clearly supported a conviction on the lesser charge.

Salgado may also face additional years in prison for use of a gun and gang involvement when he is sentenced by Orange County Superior Court Judge Cecil Hicks on May 30.