Local News in Brief : Man Found Guilty of Killing Officer
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A 26-year-old man who prosecutors said helped plan and carry out the ambush slaying of a Los Angeles policeman was convicted Wednesday of first-degree murder and conspiracy.
A Van Nuys Superior Court jury deliberated 13 days before finding Ruben Antonio (Tony) Moss of Los Angeles guilty of the Halloween Day, 1985, murder of Detective Thomas C. Williams.
The verdict came one day after a separate jury recommended that Moss’ co-conspirator, Daniel Steven Jenkins, 33, be put to death for the Williams murder, which prosecutors said was retaliation for the detective’s testimony against Jenkins in a robbery trial.
Moss, whom prosecutors described as Jenkins’ “loyal lieutenant,” faces the death penalty or life in prison without parole. Judge Judith Meisels Ashmann tentatively scheduled the penalty phase of Moss’ trial for Sept. 19.
Williams, 42, was hit eight times by machine-pistol fire outside the Faith Baptist Church in Canoga Park as he picked up his 6-year-old son from school.
Three other men are awaiting trial for murder and conspiracy in the case.
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