Case # 14NF4644
Two Men Convicted of Murder of Nine-Year-Old Girl in 2014 Anaheim Gang Shooting
SANTA ANA, Calif. –Two men were convicted today of the murder of nine-year-old Ximena Meza during a gang shooting in Anaheim. The young girl was playing with her sisters in front of her apartment complex when she was shot in the chest and killed by gang cross-fire on October 22, 2014.
Alfredo Aquino, 24, of Anaheim and Ricardo Cruz, 23, of Buena Park, were found guilty of one felony count each of second degree murder, street terrorism, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a firearm within 1,000 feet of school grounds with sentencing enhancements and allegations for criminal street gang activity and a gang member vicarious discharge of a firearm causing death. It is also alleged that Cruz and Aquino were both previously convicted of a serious felony in July 2014 for one felony count each of possession of a prohibited weapon and street terrorism.
Both defendants face a maximum sentence of 40 years to life in state prison. This sentence does not include any additional time that would be added if the prior convictions are found true. Aquino is scheduled for sentencing on August 30, 2019 in Department H2. Cruz is scheduled for sentencing on Aug. 16, 2019 in Department H2.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Jeffrey Moore is prosecuting this case.