| For Immediate Release Case # 05HF1930 June 18, 2007 |
Contact: Susan Kang Schroeder Public Affairs Counsel Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 |
MAN ON METHAMPHETAMINE AND COCAINE
CONVICTED OF SHOOTING AND MURDERING
MAN IN COSTA MESA BAR
SANTA ANA – A Costa Mesa man who was under the influence of methamphetamines, cocaine and alcohol was convicted today of shooting and murdering a bar patron at the Juan More Time bar following a confrontation. Luis Alberto-Acevedo Cruz, 23, Costa Mesa, was found guilty of one count of felony murder and the jury found true the sentencing enhancement for the personal discharge of a firearm causing death. Cruz now faces a maximum sentence of 50 years to life in prison at his sentencing on August 24, 2007, at 1:30 p.m. in Department C-39, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.
On October 23, 2005, at 11:00 p.m., Cruz was drinking at the Juan More Time bar in Costa Mesa. He was under the influence of methamphetamine and cocaine, and became angry with another bar patron, Jose Picotli-Salaus. As Cruz walked toward the door of the bar, he shot the victim once in the neck, three times in the chest, and one more time when the victim fell to the ground. Cruz tried to flee the bar, but was tackled from behind by a security guard, who held Cruz and pushed him toward the door. Cruz reached around and attempted to shoot the guard as he was being pushed outside, but missed. The shooting was captured on a bar surveillance video.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Matt Murphy of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.
###