| For Immediate Release Case # 11NF0916 November 21, 2013 |
Susan Kang Schroeder Chief of Staff Office: 714-347-8408 Cell: 714-292-2718 Farrah Emami
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MAN TO FACE TRIAL FOR SHOOTING-MURDER OF TEENAGER IN FULLERTON ALLEY ON ST. PATRICK’S DAY
SANTA ANA – A man is expected to face trial today for shooting and murdering a teenager who was changing a tire in a Fullerton alley. Charles Thomas Ramirez Jr., 36, Fullerton, is charged with one felony count of murder with sentencing enhancements for the personal discharge of a firearm causing death and a prior prison conviction for theft in 2008. If convicted, Ramirez faces a maximum sentence of 51 years to life in state prison. Opening statements are expected to begin today, Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013, in Department C-35, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana. The time is to be determined.
At approximately 9:30 p.m. on March 17, 2011, Ramirez is accused of approaching 19-year-old Larry Ruiz, who was helping his friend change a tire in an alley behind Ruiz’s parent’s home in Fullerton. Ramirez is accused of confronting the victim and claiming that he had been involved in a physical fight earlier in the day with the defendant’s friend. Ruiz denied being involved in the fight. Ramirez is accused of then punching the victim in the face.
As Ruiz began to back away in an attempt to escape, Ramirez is accused of pulling out a firearm and shooting the victim one time in the head. Ramirez is accused of fleeing the scene. Ruiz died at the scene. The victim’s friend was uninjured.
The Fullerton Police Department investigated this case and arrested Ramirez on March 18, 2011.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Steve McGreevy of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.
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