Gangster Convicted for Role in Slaying
Although he didn’t pull the trigger, an Oxnard gang member was convicted of second-degree murder for killing Jose Basilian last year.
Mario Desequera, 26, admitted to police he ordered then 19-year-old George Evangelista Doctolero to shoot Basilian on Jan. 19, 1997, outside John’s Rendezvous Restaurant in the 3700 block of Saviers Road.
The men had been arguing with a friend of Basilian when they allegedly pulled out a gun and fired. Basilian’s mother said after the shooting that her son was trying to protect his friend.
Desequera will be sentenced July 16. He faces a sentence of at least 15 years.
The trial lasted two weeks. The jury deliberated one day, handing down its conviction Wednesday.
The trial for Doctolero, who allegedly fired the fatal shot and fled to the Philippines, is scheduled to begin Monday.
Doctolero was the first fugitive returned to the United States under a new extradition treaty with the Philippines.
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