Gang Member Ordered to Stand Trial for Killing of Man Outside of Redondo Beach Home
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Deputy District Attorney Allyson Ostrowski said Erick Julian Ortega was held to answer on June 2 for one count each of murder and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Case YA087978 also alleges Ortega committed the crimes in association with a criminal street gang, used a handgun and was convicted in 2005 for making criminal threats and in 2007 for possession for sale of cocaine.
The defendant is due back on July 22 in Department G of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Torrance Branch.
Victim Bobby Reynolds was shot to death on June 21, 2013. According to testimony at the preliminary hearing, the defendant shot Reynolds and then fled to the state of Utah where he was arrested months later.
Among the items recovered after Ortega’s arrest were lyrics to a song containing specific similarities to the murder, according to court testimony.
The prosecutor will request that the defendant’s bail be raised to more than $2 million.
If convicted as charged, Ortega faces 50 years to life in state prison.
The case remains under investigation by the Redondo Beach Police Department.
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About the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office
Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey leads the largest local prosecutorial office in the nation. Her staff of nearly 1,000 attorneys, 300 investigators and 800 support staff members is dedicated to seeking justice for victims of crime and enhancing public safety. Last year, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office prosecuted more than 71,000 felony defendants and nearly 112,000 misdemeanor defendants.
Contact:
Ricardo Santiago, Public Information Officer
(213) 257-2000
RSantiago (at) da.lacounty (dot) gov
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