Past Gang Member, Now Preacher, Ordered to Trial
A former Santa Ana gang member turned Alabama preacher on Friday was ordered to stand trial for a 1993 gangland slaying, and prosecutors revealed for the first time that he is a suspect in another murder.
Geronimo Galvan Burgos, who was arrested two months ago outside his Alabama church, will face murder and attempted murder charges in connection with the drive-by shooting of three rival gang members, one of whom died.
Superior Court Judge James H. Poole ordered the trial, even while expressing doubt about the credibility of the main witness, a jailed former gang member who police admit has lied to them in the past.
Citing Burgos’ crime-free life since 1993, Poole lowered the bail from $250,000 to $125,000. Defense attorney Vincent Oliver said Burgos’ family and congregation would try to raise the bail.
Prosecutors opposed the bail reduction, saying Burgos was suspected of shooting a robbery victim in the head during an alley attack in 1993.
Investigators are running laboratory tests to see if blood found at the crime scene matches Burgos’ DNA sample, authorities said.
They said Burgos became a suspect after investigators started focusing on other unsolved crimes believed to be associated with Burgos’ former gang.
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