GANG MEMBER CONVICTED OF RETALIATORY MURDER OF RIVAL FOR DEFACING GANG GRAFFITI AGREES TO CONTINUE PAROLE HEARING TO 2014

GANG MEMBER CONVICTED OF RETALIATORY MURDER OF RIVAL FOR DEFACING GANG GRAFFITI AGREES TO CONTINUE PAROLE HEARING TO 2014

SANTA ANA –The Board of Parole Hearings (Board), California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, continued the parole hearing today for an inmate convicted of murdering a rival gang member in retaliation for defacing the defendant’s gang graffiti. Francisco Calderon Mora, 39, is currently being held at Avenal State Prison in Avenal, CA. Mora was found guilty of second degree murder and sentenced April 30, 1993, to 18 years to life in state prison with sentencing enhancements for being vicariously armed and committing a crime for the benefit of a gang. Prior to the hearing, the inmate conceded that his parole would be denied and stipulated to a 3-year continuance.

This case was originally prosecuted by Senior Deputy District Attorney Mark Sevigny. Senior Deputy District Attorney Rebecca Olivieri appeared at the hearing to oppose Mora’s parole. The OCDA maintains that Mora demonstrates a lack of rehabilitation and remorse, as evidenced by his continuous denials of involvement in the murder and gang membership. 

Murder of John Ramirez
On March 27, 1992, 19-year-old Mora and other members of a Hispanic criminal street gang observed that some of the gang’s graffiti had been crossed out. Mora approached a witness and inquired about his gang affiliation, asking if he had crossed out the graffiti. The witness denied any involvement. John Ramirez, 26, a member of a rival gang, then came out of a nearby house and began yelling his gang’s name. One of Mora’s co-defendants approached Ramirez stating, “This is my hood,” and that it was his gang’s territory. Mora punched Ramirez in the face, knocking him to the ground. As Ramirez attempted to get up, one of Mora’s co-defendants pulled a gun from his waistband, shot Ramirez in the chest and fled from the scene. Ramirez died several days later as a result of the gunshot wound.

Lack of Rehabilitation and Remorse
Mora has not participated in any beneficial self-help or therapy programs while incarcerated. He also has not participated in any group activities since 1998. In addition, Mora recently sustained a prison violation for testing positive for a controlled substance and refusing to provide a urine sample. Mora has attempted to minimize his participation in the murder of Ramirez and continuously claims that the murder was an accident, even though he knew that his co-defendant was upset about the defaced graffiti and had armed himself for retaliation. Violent rap lyrics authored by Mora, while in prison, include multiple references to his gang membership, for which he also denies involvement. These rap lyrics not only demonstrate his loyalty to gang-life but also his familiarity with gang culture and his motive and intent on the day of Ramirez’s murder. While incarcerated, Mora has shown no remorse for his actions and has demonstrated a lack of rehabilitation which proves that he needs to remain in prison.

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