5 indicted in May gang-related killing
Five people have been indicted on murder charges in connection with a gang-related shooting that left a 24-year-old man dead, prosecutors said Wednesday.
Richard Najera was shot and killed in the 2900 block of Fremont Street, near Oakey Boulevard, late at night on May 29.
Minutes after the shooting, Metro followed a Honda Accord with five occupants that witnesses said was connected to the shooting, according to an arrest report. The car was abandoned in a nearby neighborhood but officers found the driver, Yors "Cuete" Garcia-Mier, 18, and Nicholas Pedro "Silent" Cortes, 17, hiding a short time after.
The alleged gunman, 21-year-old Jeiszon "Smiley" Valles, was arrested in connection with the shooting in mid-June. Authorities believe the gun belonged to Garcia-Mier.
The indictment also names Benjamin "Habit" Hernandez and Miguel "Tripps" Salazar.
All five are facing charges of murder with use of a deadly weapon, robbery with use of a deadly weapon and two counts of conspiracy. Each charge carries an allegation that the crimes were committed to "promote, further or assist a criminal gang."
Chief Judge David Barker ordered all five defendants held without bail.
Police said blood was found in and around the Accord.
Police later questioned Salazar on an unrelated case when Cortes walked up and both were arrested on juvenile warrants. Salazar‘s age wasn‘t released.
Authorities said the defendants were affiliated with the Youngsters Taking Kontrol gang, also known as "YTK," and were driving around when Garcia-Mier recognized Najera as being affiliated with the Barrio Naked City gang. The group got out of the car and assaulted Najera, according to arrest records.
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