Former Gang Member Testifies on Slaying
A former gang member told a jury Friday that he saw murder suspect Ramiro Salgado hit Ventura resident William Zara with a shovel during a fight in September 1999.
Salgado, 22, is accused of participating in the beating death of Zara, who was bludgeoned outside his apartment by gang members who mistakenly thought he had reported their noisy party to police.
On Friday, 25-year-old Chris Gonzales, a former Ventura gang member, testified that during the fight he saw Salgado strike a young man, later identified as Zara, with a shovel.
Gonzales was initially charged with murder, but the charges were set aside after he agreed to enter a witness protection program and testify against fellow gang members.
Four co-defendants arrested before police uncovered evidence of Salgado’s alleged involvement were convicted of murder last year and are serving life sentences.
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