Monday, July 7, 2008

Charges pending in July Fourth killing

BY COLBY FRAZIER
DAILY SOUND STAFF WRITER

Ten people arrested in connection with a Fourth of July gang melee near Stearns Wharf that ended with the killing of a 15-year-old boy have not yet been charged, officials said yesterday.
Authorities sifted through evidence and arrest reports, but won’t make any final decisions on charges until later today, said Santa Barbara County District Attorney Chief Trial Deputy Joshua Lynn.

“We’re trying to iron out a number of things,” he said. “It’s an ongoing, moving target at the moment.”
Of the 10 people arrested, six are juveniles. Police officials declined to release the name of the victim, who was unresponsive when paramedics arrived on the scene just before 9:30 p.m. in the 200 block of E. Cabrillo Boulevard.
Officers were initially dispatched to a stabbing at the entrance to Stearns Wharf, where they found a different 15-year-old boy with knife wounds. This boy was transported to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, where he received treatment and was released.
Authorities later learned a 14-year-old boy had been taken to Cottage Hospital by family members with a stab wound from an altercation he said had occurred near Cabrillo Boulevard.
The three stabbings all occurred in-step with the city’s annual fireworks celebration on the waterfront.
Sgt. Lorenzo Duarte said a 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of homicide and active participation in a criminal street gang. Two other 15-year-olds, a 13-year-old and a 17-year-old were arrested for alleged conspiracy to commit an assault with a deadly weapon and active participation in a criminal street gang, while another 15-year-old is behind held for alleged active participation in a criminal street gang.
The four adults arrested include, 21-year-old Miguel Marquez, 19-year-old Richard Silva Garcia, 18-year-old Edwin Josimar Miguel and 19-year-old Manuel Adrian Lira. All are being held for alleged participation in a criminal street gang.
Duarte said the case is extremely complex and more arrests may be made.

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