Driver Sentenced in Killings
The driver of a van involved in the October 2000 shooting deaths of a 10-year-old girl and a young man was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison Tuesday.
Sylvia Silva was convicted on two counts of second-degree murder and ordered to pay $5,000 restitution to the families of Stephanie Raygoza and 19-year-old Raymond Hernandez, according to court documents.
Silva drove the van that carried five armed gang members allegedly involved in the shooting, said Det. Cindy Juarez.
The gang members remain at large, said Det. Rick Peterson. Authorities are searching for the five: Gustavo Gonzalez, 20; Arthur Basaldua, 21; Jose Johnny Prado, 28; Giovanni Vasquez, 21; and Alberto Chagollan, 20.
Stephanie was riding a scooter on South Clarence Street in Boyle Heights on Oct. 8, 2000, when a bullet struck and killed her. Hernandez, who reportedly had gang affiliations, was the apparent target, Peterson said.
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