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By Lookout Staff
May 14 -- From the alleged murder of two local youths,
to attempted murder and assault, three defendants are facing
a variety of charges in cases tentatively set to go to trial
June 22, according to a judge's preliminary ruling last Friday.
Jose Zapien, 18, is currently charged with two counts of murder,
eight counts of attempted murder and an assault charge after
being arrested nearly three months ago in connection with
the alleged shooting deaths of two local youths
John Carrillo, 19, is also scheduled to appear on two charges
of attempted murder. Another defendant, Noah Farris, 26, faces
an assault charge, according to the Los Angeles County District
Attorney's office.
Police said they are continuing their investigations, and
further charges could be filed against the three defendants
and others.
The West Los Angeles residents and alleged gang members were
taken into custody during a series of arrests resulting from
a joint-task force investigation by the Santa Monica and Los
Angeles Police Departments in February. (SEE STORY)
Zapien is charged with killing Miguel Martin last December
and 15-year-old Eddie Lopez in February 2006, both shot on
Pico Boulevard
Police say Zapien is a member of a West Los Angeles gang
that committed several shootings and other crimes in and around
Santa Monica over the past two years.
Although police arrested eight suspects in connection with
the murders -- including three minors -- only Zapien, Carrillo
and Farris will face charges. However, the "gang conspiracy"
charges originally filed against the suspects have since been
dropped.
Two other adults, Andres Castillo,18, and Victor Torres,
22, originally charged with conspiracy and gang conspiracy
have been released.
Three juveniles were also arrested in connection with the
killing, however their status is unknown.
Police have said one is a 15-year-old female who was originally
charged with murder, one count of conspiracy to shoot into
an inhabited dwelling, two counts of attempted murder and
gang conspiracy.
A 17-year-old male faced charges of assault with a deadly
weapon, Grand Theft Auto, possession of a firearm and gang
conspiracy. A 15-year-old male also was arrested in February
for conspiracy and gang conspiracy.
Zapien currently has two cases open against him and may have
them combined, according to the DA.
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