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2 Gang Members in King City Convicted of Attempted Murder for the Benefit of the Sureno Criminal Street Gang

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Thursday, Macrh 25 that 23-year-old Heber Veronica and 22-year-old Francisco Martinez both of King City each pled guilty to attempted murder while personally discharging firearms for the benefit of the Sureno Criminal Street Gang. On January 13, 2018 in the City of King, Veronica and Martinez were traveling on San Antonio Drive when they observed an SUV they thought was occupied by Norteno Criminal Street Gang members. Veronica and Martinez displayed gang signs and followed the SUV from San Antonio Drive onto Highway 101 northbound. The victims realized they could not out-run Veronica and Martinez and decided to turn around and head back to town. Veronica, the driver, and Martinez, the front passenger, began shooting at the victim SUV striking it once. As the victim SUV began traveling southbound Veronica and Martinez continued to give chase. During the shooting the victims were actively reporting to 911. Monterey County Park Ranger Smith heard the 911 call and observed the suspected vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. Veronica and Martinez exited Highway 101 at the Wild Horse offramp. Ranger Smith saw 2 handguns thrown from the passenger side of the suspected vehicle. Law enforcement later recovered 2 loaded handguns. The Honorable Mark E. Hood accepted the guilty pleas and will preside over the sentencings on April 29, 2021. Heber Veronica will receive 20 years in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitations and Francisco Martinez will receive 12 years. The convictions are considered strikes under California 3 Strikes Laws. The case was investigated by Monterey Sheriff’s Department Deputy Villanueva, Detective Jesse Pinion, Sergeant Bryan Hoskins and District Attorney Investigator John Magana. Allied agencies include the Monterey County Parks Department, the King City Police Department, the California Highway Patrol and the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office.

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