| For Immediate Release Case # 08CF1465
October 22, 2009 |
Susan Kang Schroeder Public Affairs Counsel Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami |
MAN CONVICTED OF 1991 CINCO DE MAYO MURDER OF FAMILY FRIEND
SANTA ANA – A man was convicted today of murdering a family friend on Cinco de Mayo in 1991 by shooting him in the face. Jesus Guillermo Batiz Rosales, 69, Santa Ana, was convicted of one felony count of murder and the sentencing enhancement allegation for the personal use of a firearm was found true. Rosales faces a maximum sentence of 30 years to life in state prison at his sentencing on Dec. 11, 2009, at 9:00 a.m. in Department C-30, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.
On May 5, 1991, Rosales drove to the victim’s house located on South Franklin Street. Rosales was a friend of 23-year-old Gonzalo Mendoza’s uncle, who also lived at the residence. Rosales got into an argument with Mendoza and threw a punch at the victim. The defendant used a 9 mm handgun to fire one shot at the victim, hitting the victim’s chin, and killing him. Rosales drove away from the scene and fled the country, leaving a job he had held for five years.
The Santa Ana Police Cold Case Unit began re-investigating the case in 2008 and the case was filed on May 14, 2008.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Michael Murray of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.
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