Suspect in Teen’s Killing Appears in L.A. Court

One of three suspects in the torture-slaying of Chad MacDonald appeared in a Los Angeles court Wednesday to face charges that she played a role in the death of the Yorba Linda teen.

Florence L. Noriega, 28, had her arraignment postponed. She waived extradition from Las Vegas, where she and another suspect, Michael Lucas Martinez, were arrested. Both could face the death penalty if convicted of the charges against them in the torture-murder.

Martinez, 21, is fighting extradition, officials said. A warrant is out for the arrest of a third suspect, Jose A. Ibarra, 19.

MacDonald’s body was found in a South Los Angeles alley March 3, two days after he and his 16-year-old girlfriend drove to a Norwalk home known for drug and gang activity. MacDonald, 17, had been strangled and his girlfriend raped and shot. She survived.

An attorney for the slain teen’s family has alleged that MacDonald was killed because he was working as an informant for Brea police in exchange for the dismissal of a drug charge against him.

Brea Police Chief William C. Lentini disputes that. He said he is seeking a judge’s permission to release confidential documents to refute the claims.

“We’re going to proceed with the request that [the records] be opened and hope that the full story can be told.”

The death has sparked debate about the use of juvenile informants. Assemblyman Scott Baugh (R-Huntington Beach) is crafting a bill that would ban their use in potentially dangerous situations. Senate Leader John Burton (D-San Francisco) has ordered a hearing on the issue.