Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog

Long Beach, Los Angeles - This news report regarding vehicular manslaughter caught the attention of our Orange County DUI defense attorneys because this could have happened to any one of our children. In fact, this tragedy did happen to a parents' child, a 17-year old young man.

Earlier this month, a Los Angeles teenage male driving a Ford Taurus and an 18-year old man driving a Ford Mustang was caught speed racing in the streets of Long Beach just after midnight. Four people in the Ford Mustang were killed as a result of a crash. The driver of the Ford Taurus and his passenger fled the scene of the accident and were later caught by authorities. They were not hurt nor did they sustain any injuries. The driver of the Ford Mustang along with his three passengers did not fare well, however. All four, including the driver, were killed as a result of the contest.

The young teenage male will be brought up on 8 felony charges of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and involuntary manslaughter. According to the district attorney's office, they may seek to try the teenager as an adult. The car was stolen and the teenage driver was driving without a license.

A tragic moment in a young man's life may have cost him his for several reasons, but most importantly for killing several people in a costly accident which included robbery, theft, driving without a license, loss of life, driving while intoxicated, driving under the influence and fleeing the scene of an accident.

Under California Penal Code Section 191 and Penal Code Section 192, Gross Vehicular manslaughter is a serious crime causing the death of another person due to illegal driving, including negligence, drunk driving or reckless driving.

California Vehicular manslaughter can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances and seriousness of the crime. Gross negligence can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony; but if it is involved with the death of a person, it usually is charged as felony.

If you or your loved one has been charged or arrested for vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, involuntary manslaughter or related felony cases or misdemeanors in California, whether it is in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside or San Bernardino, you need to seek the legal consultation from an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney or Southern California vehicular manslaughter defense attorney to protect your rights and freedom. Orange County Criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti have handled hundreds of criminal cases in both state and federal court, including murder, among many other crimes.

How can an experienced Long Beach criminal defense lawyer and Orange County DUI defense attorney help you in your felony DUI defense and murder defense in Southern California ?

At Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, our attorneys have won the respect from judges, prosecutors and law enforcement agents. We have the experience and resources to fight for your rights and freedom. Call our skilled Orange County Criminal Defense Attorney and Orange County DUI Defense attorney at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti toll-free at 1-888-478-8999 or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com. We represented clients in Newport Beach, Fullerton, Santa Ana, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Westminster, Laguna Beach, Long Beach, Irvine, Garden Grove, Tustin, Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and cities throughout Southern California. Call us now, you'll be glad you did.

La Habra, California - An Orange County attempted murder case in the Orange County register brought the attention of Santa Ana criminal defense attorney Michael Guisti.

Orange County La Habra man Richard Robert Rodriguez of , pled guilty to one felony count attempted murder, for criminal street gang activity and causing great bodily injury. Rodriguez was 17 years at the time of the stabbing but was charged as an adult. He was later sentenced to 12 years in state prison for stabbing and trying to kill a rival gang member on the campus of Sonora High in La Habra.

According to Orange County criminal attorney Michael Guisti, who has successfully handled many high profile felony crime cases, murder crime defense and attempted murder cases, states that "attempted murder" can be found under the California Penal code 187 which defines murder as the unlawful killing of a human being.

The punishments for murder are the most severe among all other crimes, and it is the most aggressively prosecuted crime. The punishments for murder crimes, such as attempted murder, first degree murder, second degree murder, homicide and manslaughter, are very harsh, it could carry very long term prison sentences, the death penalty and heavy fines. The consequences could impact a person's entire life.

The California felony defense attorney also explains that a person committed a murder or any other crime as part of a gang could also face gang enhancements. An enhancement is defined under California Penal code 186.22. This law states that any person committed of a felony in California can have their sentenced enlarged if it was to benefit the gang. If you have committed a felony for a gang, you could face an additional 4 years of prison time.

Attorney Michael Guisti has extensive knowledge in California criminal law, federal law and experience with Orange County court systems, Los Angeles court, San Bernardino courts, Riverside courts, San Diego courts.

Our Los Angeles felony crime defense attorneys are experienced in felony criminal defens, such as: murder, attempted murder, three strikes, fraud, threat, kidnapping, grand theft, which collar crime, appeals, sex crimes, domestic violence, assault and battery, federal cases, felony drug cases, white collar crimes, felony fraud cases, grand theft cases, etc. Los Angeles criminal attorney and Orange County felony defense lawyers at Law Offices of Michael Guisti has also had experience defending clients that have been charged with gang related offenses.

How can an experienced Los Angeles criminal attorney help you in murder defense or attempted murder defense in Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego?

Orange County criminal defense attorneys at Law Offices of Michael Guisti had handled successfully hundreds of clients in Southern California, Orange County, Santa Ana, Irvine, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Garden Grove, Stanton, Orange, and Fullerton. Our Los Angeles criminal attorneys have defended hundreds of criminal defense felony cases in both state and federal courts in Los Angeles and Beverly Hills.

If you or someone you know need a criminal defense attorney in orange county, contact our skilled Santa Ana criminal attorney and Los Angeles felony defense lawyer at Law Offices office of Michael Guisti at (714) 530-9690 for a free consultation or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com.

Santa Ana criminal attorneys at our law firm were shocked toay at the news regarding a Santa Ana man killed his wife. Santa Ana man, Michael Eugene Upton, a 57 year old husbandhas been accused of murder for shooting his wife dead. Police said that it was a murder-suicide plot attributed to the couple's desperate financial difficulties. After shooting his wife, Mr. Upton took a large amount of Valium pills with the intent to commit suicide. His suicide attempt failed and he called 911 afterwards. If Mr. Upton is convicted, he will be facing a minimum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Under California Law, Murder is the unlawful killing of a human being with malice aforethought. In California, there are two degrees of murder. First degree murder is a second degree murder plus an aggravating factor, therefore it is punished more severely. Under California Penal Code Section 190 (a), a conviction of first degree murder carries a sentence of imprisonment for a minimum of 25 years to life. If certain conditions are met, one can be sentenced to the death penalty. One of these conditions is murder committed after lying in wait. In addition, using a firearm to commit murder or any other California felony crime can increase the sentence by 3 to 10 years.

Whether it is first degree murder, second degree murder, attempted murder, homicide or manslaughter, murder is the most serious crime, and it is severely punished by law. A conviction may destroy a person's whole life. It is significantly vital for a person facing a murder charge to retain a criminal attorney as soon as possible. In the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, we have a highly experienced attorney team to help you reach the best result possible. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys will inform you of your rights throughout the pre-trial process, explain you the elements that the prosecutor needs to prove for a conviction, familiarize you with all possible defenses you can assert, and defend you in court.

Our law firm also represent clients in all types of criminal charges such as appeals, habeas corpus, domestic violence, assault and battery, murder, attempted murder, hit and run, DUI, drug crimes, white collar crimes, embezzlement, fraud, professional licensing defense, abuse, sex crime, appeals and habeas corpus. Our California defense attorney and Santa ana felony defense attorneys have successfully defended clients in Orange County, Santa Ana, Westminster, Huntington Beach, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Costa Mesa, Tustin, Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Diego, Riverside and San Bernardino. If you or someone you love has been arrested or charged with any felony cases, call us today at 714-530-9690 for a free consultation with our skilled California criminal attorneys.

Orange County- Alex Trujillo or Garden Grove located in Orange County is facing murder charges. It is alleged that Trujillo killed women, Catherine Busse, while driving under the influence of alcohol. Trujillo was driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol when he hit the victim and her 15 year old son while the two were riding their bikes on the sidewalk. Witness detained Trujillo at the scene until police arrived. Trujillo has a prior conviction of driving under the influence. If he is found guilty he faces a maximum of life in prison.

In California, if a person is convicted of murder, they face some of the harshest punishments given to people charged with a criminal charge. In California, murder can be broken down into two charges and is defined in the California Penal Code section 187(a). It states that murder is the unlawful killing or another. The first kind of murder and the more serious murder charge is first degree murder. The punishments for first degree murder are death, life in prison without parole or a prison sentence of 25 years to life. The second murder charge is call second degree murder. The punishment for murder in the second degree is 15 years to life in prison. The individual facts of a person case will determine whether you are charged with first or second degree murder. An experienced Orange County murder defense attorney will have the experience needed to look through all of the facts of the case and help you defend the charge.

Murder is the one of the most serious charges a person can face. It is imperative to your case and to your freedoms to hire a skilled Santa Ana murder defense attorney to help you defend this serious charge.

Continue reading "Orange County Man Faces Second Degree Murder Charges" »

Garden Grove, Orange County - Orange County man, Jose Najera Jr. of Garden Grove will face trial for allegedly murdering his parents. It is alleged that Najera had a plot to stab his parents and take their money from their savings. His high school friend Gerald Johnson was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole. The two of them had planned to take Najera's parents money that they had taken out of their savings account in anticipation to Y2K. Najera left his parents window open so that Johnson could enter the house. After stabbings it is alleged that Najera called 911 and pretended he had no knowledge of the murders. DNA left at the scene tied him to the murders.

Murder is considered one of the most serious crimes in the State of California and the charge comes with serious punishments. Murder is defined in the California Penal Code section 187. It is the unlawful killing of another. There are two kinds of murder: first degree murder and second-degree murder. The individual fact of a person's case decides whether they are charged with either first or second degree murder. The punishments for first degree murder are death, life in prison without parole or a prison sentence of 25 years to life. The punishment for murder in the second degree is 15 years to life in prison.

Being convicted of first or second degree murder is a serious charge. The punishments for murder can change a person's whole life. It is imperative to a person's case that the hire an experienced Orange County criminal defense lawyer or a skilled Santa Ana murder defense attorney to help you defend your murder charge.

Continue reading "Garden Grove Man Faces Trial for Murder" »

Garden Grove, Orange County - Garden Grove gang member, Ivan Garcia, was found guilty of shooting a Garden Grove resident outside of his home. Garcia was convicted of attempted murder and street terrorism, with penalty enhancements for gang activity. He is also convicted of unlawful firearm. He faces up to 40 years in prison.

The victim, David Pulga, was close to his Orange County Garden Grove home when he was shot several times by two gang members in Garden Grove. His wife reported to the Garden Grove police. From this injury he suffers memory loss, physical control and no longer has basic motor skills. The DNA evidence retrieved helped police find the Orange County attempted murder suspect, Ivan Garcia. Garden Grove police also found second gang member linked to this attempted murder case by the tagging. Cesar Mina also known as "Sleepy" has been tied to the shooting.

According to Orange County criminal attorney Michael Guisti, who has successfully handled many high profile felony crime cases, murder crime defense and attempted murder cases, states that "attempted murder" can be found under the California Penal code 187 which defines murder as the unlawful killing of a human being. The punishments for murder are the most severe among all other crimes, and it is the most aggressively prosecuted crime. The punishments for murder crimes, such as attempted murder, first degree murder, second degree murder, homicide and manslaughter, are very harsh, it could carry very long term prison sentences, the death penalty and heavy fines. The consequences could impact a person's entire life.

Orange County criminal defense attorney also explains that a person committed a murder or any other crime as part of a gang could also face gang enhancements. An enhancement is defined under California Penal code 186.22. This law states that any person committed of a felony in California can have their sentenced enlarged if it was to benefit the gang. If you have committed a felony for the gang, you could face an additional 4 years of prison time.

Making the right decision for hiring the most qualified criminal defense attorney for your case is the most important decision in the whole legal process. Southern California murder crime defense attorney at Law Offices of Michael Guisti have handled hundreds of felony cases in Orange County and Los Angeles. Attorney Michael Guisti has not only has the exceptional knowledge in California criminal law, federal law and extensive experience with Orange County court systems, Los Angeles court, San Bernardino courts, Riverside courts, San Diego courts. Our Los Angeles felony crime defense attorneys are experienced in felony criminal defense in areas such as: murder, attempted murder, three strikes, sex crimes, domestic violence, assault and battery, federal cases, felony drug cases, white collar crimes, felony fraud cases, grand theft cases, etc. Los Angeles and Orange County murder defense lawyers at Law Offices of Michael Guisti has also had experience defending clients that have been charged with gang related offenses.

Continue reading "Garden Grove Gang Member convicted of attempted murder " »

Santa Ana, Orange County - A Costa Mesa dentist that killed three patients in his dental chair wants to be paroled. Protopappas is currently serving for three counts of second-degree murder. His patients died while sitting in his dentist chair after receiving an overdose of anesthesia. Protopappas in past years stated that he was not responsible for the death of the three victims. The Board of Prison Terms claims that Protopappas does not demonstrate an understanding of what he had done, and is therefore in ineligible for parole. However, Protopappas says that he understands what he has done and is no longer a danger.

A Santa Ana criminal attorney is filing an appeal in Orange County court system stating that the parole board has violated Protopappas's due proves rights. His Orange County criminal defense attorney says that the parole was wrong in using Protopappas insight in to the murders as a gauge for parole and that he knows has remorse. He also claims that he can no longer be a danger because he will no longer be a dentist.

Under California Law, Second -degree murder can be defined in California Penal Code 187 as the unlawful killing of a human being, or a fetus, with malice aforethought. Murder is considered as one of the most serious crimes among all crimes. In California the punishment for murder is very harsh. If found guilty of murder, you could face life in prison with out parole. Orange County criminal defense attorney Michael Guisti has noted in this case that a professional, such as a doctor, a physician, a surgeon, a therapist or any medical health care professional, who is convicted of murder, first degree murder, second degree murder, attempted murder, could you get life in prison, and the defendant could also lose his professional license. If you or someone you know is facing murder charges or under investigation for murder, it is imperative to retain an experienced Southern California criminal lawyer immediately to protect your rights.

Continue reading "Costa Mesa Dentist charged with second degree murder for killing three patients" »

Santa Ana, Orange County - A Santa Ana man who was convicted of first degree murder in 2008 was granted a new trial today. Ruben Oliveros, of Santa Ana, was facing life in prison without the possibility of parole. An Orange county criminal defense attorney brought up a motion for a new trial and stated that the defendant may not have been at the crime scene. The Judge granted a new trial because it seems that there is strong evidence that a jury could give a different verdict.

Co-defendant, Charcas-Fernandez, has pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in this case. Aurelio Saldivar, another defendant, was also convicted of murder in the case.

Under California law, murder is one of the most serious crimes. Under California penal code section PC 187, murder is defined as causing the death of another person with the presence of malice aforethought. The punishment is severe, if convicted the accused can get 25 to life in prison. It has life-altering consequences. If you or someone you care has been arrested for murder, you need to speak to an experienced Southern California criminal defense attorney immediately.

Whether it is in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Pasadena, Orange County, Santa Ana, Fullerton, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Tustin, Newport Beach or anywhere in Southern California, if one is convicted of a first-degree or second-degree murder charge, he could face prison time for the rest of his life.

The first- degree murder and second-degree murder are considered as the willful killing of another person. A first-degree murder can carry a minimum 25 years in prison, and second-degree murder is minimum of 15 years. It could be a sentense for life in prison depends on the circumstances.

Continue reading "Santa Ana Man Convicted of Murder get a new trial" »

Los Angeles - The body of an 84 year old woman was found in her home, a victim of sexual assault, robbery and murder, the Anaheim police reported Sunday. The woman's car had been found in a San Bernardino County grocery store. The suspect, 25 year old Anthony Wade of Los Angeles, allegedly tried to use the victim's stolen credit card when he was apprehended after he became agitated when the clerk would not accept the credit card.

The police went to the home of the victim, Bessie Whyman, to see if she knew the whereabouts of her car and to check on her welfare when her naked body was discovered in the living room of her home. Wade, was transferred to an Anaheim detention center and is expected to be arraigned on charges of first degree felony murder, robbery and sexual assault.

Under California Penal Code Section 187, murder defined as unlawful killing of another human being with the intent of malice. Murder is one of the most aggressively prosecuted crimes among all crimes and the punishment for murder is harsh. If a person is convicted of murder, it can carry a sentence of 25 years to life in prison depending upon the severity and degree of murder. If you or someone you care has been arrested for murder in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside or San Bernardino, it is imperative to retain an experienced Southern California Criminal Defense Attorney to represent you. Our attorneys handled hundreds of criminal cases in both state and federal courts.

Continue reading "Los Angeles Man arrested for the Murder of 84 year old Anaheim woman" »

Santa Ana, Orange County - A recent investigation into the death of a 9-year-old boy has ended with the conclusion that the driver of the vehicle which struck and killed the 9 year-old-boy, Nicholas Vela Mortley, was not criminally responsible and would not be issued a citation.

According to the facts offered by The Orange County Register, Nicholas Mortley was riding his bicycle home from school when he was hit by a raised pickup truck in Anaheim on December 3, 2009. According to the police, the truck driver was headed west on Orangewood and made a full stop at the stop sign. The driver of the truck did not see the child (evidently, the truck in question was raised 30 inches off the ground, which met the legal limits).

Under California Penal Code Section 191 and Penal Code Section 192, Gross Vehicular manslaughter is a serious crime causing the death of another person due to illegal driving, including negligence, drunk driving or reckless driving.

California Vehicular manslaughter can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances and seriousness of the crime. Gross negligence can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony; but if it is involved with the death of a person, it usually is charged as felony.

In California, causing the death of another human being by a vehicle is a serious criminal offense which can include liability under murder (California Penal Code Section 187), for which the requisite degree of malice needed to fulfill the elements of the crime can be express or implied (California Penal Code Section 188).

If you or your loved one have been charged or arrested for murder, vehicular manslaughter, or related felonies and/or misdemeanors in California, whether it is in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside or San Bernardino, you need to seek the legal consultation from an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney or Southern California vehicular manslaughter defense attorney to protect your rights and freedom. Orange County Criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti have handled hundreds of criminal cases in both state and federal court, including murder, among many other crimes.

How can an experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney and DUI defense attorney help you in your felony DUI defense and murder defense in Southern California ?

At Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti, our attorneys have won the respect from judges, procecutors and law enforcement agents. We have the experience and resources to fight for your rights and freedom. Call our skilled Orange County Criminal Defense Attorney and Orange County DUI Defense attorney at Law Offices of Michael L. Guisti at 714-530-9690 or visit us at www.topcalifornialawyer.com

SAN CLEMENTE, California. - A former Irvine attorney, her two girls and mother were found dead in a murder suicide Tue. Elizabeth Fontaine was in a custody dispute with her ex-husband. She appeared in court Monday morning and was supposed to be back to court in the afternoon.

The homicide happened at an upscale Orange County home in San Clemente. Fontaine moved to Houston a month ago with her daughters. They came back to Orange County for the custody hearing. The family was at a friend's house when the killings happened. A handgun was found at the scene. The case is still under investigation.

If you or someone you care has been charged with felony crimes, such as murder, homicide, manslaughter, we will start strong defense immediately. At Law Offices of Michael Guisti, our skilled Orange County criminal attorneys can negotiate with prosecutors and police on your behalf. We will start investigation immediately and work our best to get your case dismissed or get your charge reduced to a minimum.

Our Southern California criminal defense lawyers are extremely experienced with the following felony violent crimes in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Bernardino and Riverside: Murder, attempted murder, first degree murder, second degree murder, homicide, manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, Domestic violence, Assault and battery, three strikes, assault with a deadly weapon and Unlawful firearms.

Continue reading "4 Family Member dead in San Clemente Orange County Homicide " »

A former Marine was indicted by an Orange County grand jury Monday. He confessed to killing 5 women in Southern California. Andrew Urdiales was arrested in 1997 for slayings 3 women. He confessed in detail for murdering 8 women in a nine-year spree.

For Southern California and Orange County murder cases, Urdiales was charged with 5 murders in Orange, San Diego and Riverside counties during 1986 and 1995. 24 years ago, Urdiales killed Robbin Brandley at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo. In most of his cases, he sexually assaulted his victims before killing them.

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Orange County - An Orange County man, Jeffrey Woods, was convicted of felony vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence while intoxicated. He was driving while under the influence of drugs and killed a bicyclist. He could face a maximum of 10 years in prison and probation for killing Danny Oates. The sentencing is scheduled at the Santa Ana court on Friday.

In the sentencing, the Orange County judge has the option of giving him 6 and 10-year prison time. If Woods was doing well during his custody, there is chance that he could possibly get shorter term of sentence in prison. Felony manslaughter caused by drugs and text messaging will be the first prosecution for Orange County District Attorney's office.

Under California law, DUI or drunk driving is a serious criminal charge. It is also known as "driving while intoxicated" or "driving under the influence". If you or someone you know has been arrested or charged with DUI, or driving under the influence in Orange County, Newport Beach, Fullerton, Santa Ana, the punishment and consequences are very serious. It can carry severe penalties such as jail time, substantial fine. If it is charged as felony DUI, felony vehicular manslaughter, or driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs, the punishment is more severe.

A felony drunk driving conviction carries serious consequences: jail or prison time, a heavy fine, and suspension of driver's license. If you or someone you care has been arrested for a DUI charge, either a misdemeanor charge, (such as first DUI or second DUI), or a felony DUI charge, (such as felony vehicular manslaughter), you should consult with an experienced Orange County DUI defense attorney or Southern California felony vehicular manslaughter attorney or drunk driving attorney immediately.

Orange County DUI lawyer and Southern California criminal defense attorney, Michael Guisti, has extensive experience fighting DUI and criminal cases. We have handled wide range of drunk driving cases involving, Vehicle Code 23152(a), drunk driving, driving while intoxicated, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, gross vehicular manslaughter; felony drunk driving, underage DUI, DUI causing bodily injury, hit and run. Our California DUI defense attorneys know the California court systems, prosecutors and Judges, and we can put together many years of DUI law experience to work for you.

Continue reading "Man who killed bicyclist Convicted of Felony Vehicular Manslaughter While intoxicated" »

ORANGE - A Riverside man, Armstrong Kitchen, has been charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter for the death of a 2-year-old girl in December car crash

Sales had to stop on the freeway due to an accident in front of him. Kitchen, was behind Sales, was not paying attention and crashed his car to Sales' SUV. Kitchen is charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter. If convicted, he could be sentensed to 1 year in prison.

Let us look at some facts why Kitchen was charged with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter and not a felony.

Felony vehicular manslaughter requires that there is "gross negligence," which involves more than ordinary carelessness or mistake in judgment, Gross negligence is defined as driving with no caution for the safety of the other person. Gross negligence also happens when a person acts recklessly causing the death or great bodily injury of another person.

Vehicular manslaughter charges are serious charges, but it is not necessary always charged as felony. Vehicular homicide is always charged as a felony offense. If a person is charged with vehicular manslaughter due to gross negligence for DUI or driving under the influence, it is usually charged as vehicular homicide, instead of vehicular manslaughter. Vehicular manslaughter is considered as involuntary manslaughter.

The punishment for the Vehicular manslaughter can be very harsh, depends on the seriousness of the charge. The punishment for misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter with driving under the influence or DUI usually carries one year jail time; while felony charges could have more severe charges: such as longer term of prison time, license suspensions, community service, probation.

If you have been charged or arrested for DUI or Vehicular manslaughter, you should seek legal advise from an experienced Orange county Criminal Defense Attorney or Southern California Vehicular manslaughter Attorney immediately.

Continue reading "Man charged with Misdemeanor Vehicular Manslaughter " »

SANTA ANA, Orange County -- An Orange County Santa Ana man was convicted of murder of someone who took his job after he was fired by his employer at a landscaping company. He was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison on Friday.

Manuel Melgoza, 42, of Santa Ana, pleaded guilty in June of first-degree murder and a sentencing enhancement for using firearm in Nov, 2006 to kill Israel Quiros.

Orange County District Attorney stated that Melgoza got very angry after he got fired by his employer and replaced by Quiros on his position at the landscaping company.
Melgoza was seen by witness waiting outside Quiros's home on the day of the killing and followed him to work.

Quiros noticed that he had been followed and tried to lose him by changing another route at the neigborhood of Garden Grove. But Melgoza still kept following, Quiros pulled over his car and got out.

Melgoza then shot him in the shoulder with a rifle, and then walked up, put the rifle to his head, and killed him.

At his trial, Melgoza argued that he was followed by Quiros and that he tried to defend himself.