*NEWS RELEASE*

ANGEL ESPARZA CHARGED WITH MURDER, REMAINS AT LARGE

INDIO, CA. - The Riverside County District Attorney's Office has charged Angel Esparza, 26, with murder for killing a 16-year-old boy in the City of Coachella. Esparza faces charges of first-degree murder with a special allegation that he used a gun during the commission of a crime and an enhancement for a prior felony conviction. Esparza remains at large.

On Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2009, at about 2:30 PM, officers from the Coachella Police Department responded to the report of a man down in the 1400 block of 9th Street in the City of Coachella. Upon arrival, officers found Angel Luna, of Coachella, deceased at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds.

During the course of the investigation, detectives discovered Luna had gotten into an argument with another male. The argument escalated into a shooting, leaving Luna dead.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Ramirez at the Coachella Police Department at (760) 863-8990 or Detective Patterson at the Riverside County Sheriff's Central Homicide Unit at 760-393-3523. Tips can also be processed anonymously through CRIME STOPPERS at (760) 341-STOP. Information resulting in an arrest and conviction can result in a reward of up to $1,000.

"This is another example of gang violence that plagues our communities," said District Attorney Rod Pacheco. "Its killing our youth, we have to stop it, and we will."

Esparza has also been named to the Riverside County's Most Wanted Fugitive list.