Man Wins New Trial Over Mexican Mafia-Linked Killing
Augustine Velasquez, 29, secured a new trial due to violations of his Miranda rights, an appellate court recently ruled. Velasquez was previously convicted for the fatal shooting of drug dealer Robert Rios in Placentia on January 19, 2017.
Details of the Case
Velasquez received a life sentence without parole on June 2, 2023. He was the sole defendant convicted in Orange County Superior Court related to this attack, which was allegedly directed from prison by the reputed leader of the Orange County Mexican Mafia.
Other defendants implicated in the incident face federal charges and are awaiting trial. The state case encountered significant legal challenges before federal authorities took over as part of a broad racketeering investigation targeting the Mexican Mafia's Orange County chapter.
Legal Issues and Charges
Gang-related charges were dismissed prior to Velasquez’s trial due to evidence mishandling by several deputies. These deputies either failed to properly book evidence or did so after their shifts, violating department policies.
“Orange County Superior Court Judge Patrick Donahue granted the motion to dismiss the gang charges because an Orange County sheriff’s deputy who testified during the preliminary hearing as a gang expert was found to have been dishonest while discussing his training regarding booking of evidence.”
Current Status
The appellate court’s decision ensures that Velasquez will face a new trial, addressing the earlier Miranda rights violations.
Author’s summary: Augustine Velasquez, convicted for a Mexican Mafia-linked murder, won a new trial after appellate courts found Miranda rights violations and evidence handling issues in the original case.