Who is Richard Hernandez? California gang member sentenced over 2016 shooting death of Cameron Miller
VENTURA, CALIFORNIA: A gang member, identified as Richard Hernandez was sentenced this week, years after a gang fight erupted into a lethal gunshot that killed one man in a crosswalk and injured another in daylight in the presence of witnesses on a Southern California street.
Hernandez, 27, was sentenced to 32 years and 8 months to life for the murder of Cameron Miller, 25.
The case's prosecutor, Ventura County Senior Deputy District Attorney Kelly Keenan, referred to the crime as "senseless" in a news release.
"We are pleased that Mr Hernandez has been brought to justice and the victims of this senseless act of violence and their families now have justice," Keenan stated, per Law & Crime.
How did Cameron Miller die?
The California gang member Richard Hernandez, two other men, and a 16-year-old girl were driving down East Main Street in Ventura on June 29, 2016, when they pulled over to confront two men, eventually leading to the killing.
Before the shooting, the perpetrators and victims allegedly engaged in three verbal altercations. The first incident happened close to a Del Taco.
The second incident took place in the Lassens store parking lot. Authorities claim that the last argument took place in the parking lot next to a Sizzler.
The two men were called gang names, and Hernandez reportedly displayed a handgun. The four got back in their car and continued on the highway.
Hernandez and Ramirez waited a few blocks away for the victims to pass by before opening fire on the two men. Miller was struck three times and died. The second victim, who was unidentified, was struck once and sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
How was the California gang member caught?
The assailants reportedly left in a car. Witnesses provided authorities with a description of the car after the shooting.
Officers saw it and attempted to pull the car over, but when they didn't budge, gave chase. The car had reached speeds of more than 100 mph before colliding with a fence and tree.
Hernandez, the driver, fled the scene, leaving the three other victims injured. They underwent medical treatment before being taken into custody.
Hernandez was subsequently discovered in an orchard near the crash site. He was brought to the hospital before being booked into jail.
What are the charges against the California gang member?
In May, Hernandez entered a plea of guilty to second-degree murder, attempted murder, evading an officer, and gang enhancements.
Alexis Ivan Ramirez pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, attempted murder, and gang enhancements and will be sentenced on October 12.
The third man was sentenced to 17 years in 2019 after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter and attempted murder counts with gang enhancements.
The case of the girl was settled in juvenile court.