INDIO GANG MEMBER CONVICTED OF MURDER

INDIO, CA - A jury has convicted an Indio gang member, Jose Jonathan Ocampo, of murder and attempted murder with enhancements of using a firearm during the commission of his crimes and of committing the crimes for the benefit of a criminal street gang.

"This is another example of the effectiveness of our prosecutors and our commitment to ensure that gang members are removed from our community," said District Attorney Rod Pacheco.

On August 3, 2003, Ocampo shot two rival gang members because they had entered into an area his gang claimed as their territory. One of Ocampo's fellow gang members approached the rival gang members to challenge them to a fight. Ocampo then crept up from behind and shot both of the rival gang members, killing one of them and paralyzing the other. A witness told authorities that Ocampo shouted the name of his gang during the commission of his shooting.

This case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Rodney Tethal. "Gang members not only victimize each other but also our communities as a whole. It is of critical importance to remove them from our streets and neighborhoods," said Tethal.

Ocompo is scheduled to appear in front of Judge Randall White in Department 2J of the Larson Justice Center for sentencing on August 13, 2009. He is facing 75 years to life in prison.