Case #12NF1681
Gang Member Convicted of Murdering 18-year-old with Ties to Rival Gang
SANTA ANA, Calif. – A jury convicted a gang member of second-degree murder today in the 2012 shooting death of a man with ties to a rival gang in Anaheim on May 25, 2012. The same jury acquitted the getaway driver of any involvement in the murder.
Ismael Avalos, 25, of Anaheim, was found guilty of one felony count of second-degree murder, one felony count of the personal discharge of a firearm causing death, and one felony count of active participation in a criminal street gang in connection with the murder of 18-year-old Angel Rivera on May 25, 2012.
The jury found the felony special circumstances enhancement of criminal street gang activity and the felony enhancement of criminal street gang activity alleged against Avalos were not true.
Avalos faces a maximum sentence of 40 years to life plus three years in prison.
Co-defendant George Galvan, 26 of Perris, was acquitted of murder, one felony count of participating in criminal street gang activity, along with felony enhancements of criminal street activity, special circumstances of criminal street gang activity, and a the vicarious discharge of a firearm by a gang member causing great bodily injury.
“Gangs terrorize our communities and unnecessarily cost young people their entire lives, whether the victims of violence or the perpetuators of violence,” said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. “We are pleased that a killer is being held accountable, and will be behind bars for a very long time.”
Senior Deputy District Attorney Israel Claustro is prosecuting this case.