Santa Paula Gang Member Convicted in 2002 Slaying
A Santa Paula gang member was convicted Tuesday of first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of another man at a Halloween party in 2002.
Hector Valdivia, 23, was also found guilty of special allegations of being a gang member and killing Rusty Zuniga, 27, for the benefit of a street gang.
That makes Valdivia eligible for life in prison without the possibility of parole, said Deputy Dist. Atty. Cheryl Temple, who prosecuted the case.
“This is a great verdict,” Temple said.
“It’s also a comment on the matter of gang violence.”
Zuniga, of Port Hueneme, was leaving a party in the 300 block of Cameron Street in Santa Paula on Oct. 27, 2002, when he was shot in the abdomen and arm by Valdivia, who then fled, according to authorities.
Valdivia, who was identified by witnesses, was arrested a month later on an unrelated probation violation. While in jail, he was charged with Zuniga’s death.
He is scheduled to be sentenced June 30.
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