Man Convicted in Youth’s Slaying
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VAN NUYS — A 22-year-old suspected gang member was convicted of murder Wednesday for shooting a 16-year-old boy in the back while trying to steal a gold neck chain, officials said.
It took a Van Nuys Superior Court jury about 3 1/2 hours to convict Ray Martinez of robbery and murder in the death of Marlon Gutierrez of North Hollywood, Deputy Dist. Atty. Laura Baird said.
Martinez confronted Gutierrez--who was not a gang member--on Vanowen Street one night in December 1994 and took Gutierrez’s Walkman and a gold bracelet, Baird said. But when Martinez reached for Gutierrez’s cherished gold chain, a struggle ensued.
After Martinez wrestled the chain from Gutierrez he drew a pistol and shot Gutierrez in the back as the 16-year-old fled, Baird said.
Martinez is scheduled to be sentenced March 28.
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