Jury hands out murder conviction for 2009 shooting
A 32-year-old man was convicted on Friday of second-degree murder and other charges for the February 2009 slaying of 28-year-old Atsku Tekle.
A Clark County jury convicted Angel Santana of the murder count and two counts each of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon after a trial that lasted a week.
Authorities said Tekle and three other people were walking across the street in the area of Twain Avenue and Swenson Street when Tekle and two others were shot. The fourth person was not struck.
Prosecutor Alex Chen said Santana’s motive never was clear, but the defendant confessed to the shooting. A recording of the confession was played for the jury during the trial.
Santana’s lawyer, Brett Whipple, argued that Santana had made a false confession.
A sentencing hearing was set for April 17 before District Judge James Bixler. Santana faces 11 years to life in prison.
Contact reporter Francis McCabe at fmccabe@review journal.com or 702-380-1039.
