Press release: Case of Interest

Date: February 26, 2002
Contact: Deputy District Attorney Richard Yenovkian
Telephone: 875-5211
Type of Proceeding: Trial and Disposition
Minor's name: [withheld because of the minor's age (15)]

District Attorney Jan Scully announced today that a 15-year old male juvenile was sentenced to the Sacramento County Boys Ranch upon being convicted of involuntary manslaughter by the use of a sawed-off .22 rifle.

On 6/23/01 (Saturday) at approximately 11 p.m., the minor was playing with his father's sawed-off rifle in his kitchen. It was pointed at the 12-year old female victim, his neighbor and friend, when he pulled the trigger. Unknown to him the gun was loaded. The rifle was only 9-inches away from the girl when he shot. The bullet entered under her left breast and exited from her right lower back. She was taken to UCD Hospital by some witnesses but did not survive. Witnesses told Sacramento Police Officers that it was a drive-by shooter who committed the crime. In fact, the homicide scene was so well cleaned up that the detectives still do not know if the victim was shot inside or outside of the house. The minor participated in this cover-up as did all witnesses, many were gang members. Several guns had been passed around at this party before the shooting. Many of the young people were drinking.

After much investigation, gun shot residue evidence and subsequent witness statements supported the minor's later statement that he was the shooter. The minor was convicted after a three-week trial.

Judge Kenneth G. Peterson followed the minor's attorney's recommendation and sentenced the minor, who had served 248 days in the Juvenile Hall for this offense and had no prior record, to the Sacramento County Boys Ranch.

The Sacramento County Probation Department and the District Attorney argued for the California Youth Authority because of the severity of the crime, the minor's deceit in the cover-up, his gang related ties, and that he could be released from the Boys Ranch after only 4 months.