Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Tag Archives: Norma Patricia Esparza

Santa Ana man convicted of 1995 cold case kidnapping and stabbing-murder of Gonzalo Ramirez

Posted on by Posted in Crime, OCDA, Santa Ana Leave a comment

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY PRESS RELEASE

Case # 13ZF0162/12CF3070

Date: May 23, 2016

MAN CONVICTED OF 1995 COLD CASE KIDNAPPING AND STABBING-MURDER OF MAN

SANTA ANA, Calif. – A man was convicted today for his role in the 1995 cold case kidnapping and stabbing-murder of a man. Shannon Ray Gries, 45, Santa Ana, pleaded guilty today, May 23, 2016, to one count of felony-murder for murder during the commission of kidnapping.

Co-defendant Diane Tran, 47, Costa Mesa, pleaded guilty on Jan. 24, 2014, to one felony count of voluntary manslaughter with a sentencing enhancement for being armed with a firearm in the commission of a felony. Continue reading→

Psych professor convicted for kidnapping and murder of man she says raped her

Posted on by Posted in Crime, OCDA, Orange County, Santa Ana Leave a comment

Norma Patricia Esparza

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: September 12, 2014

Case# 13ZF0162, 12CF3070

WOMAN CONVICTED OF MANSLAUGHTER FOR ROLE IN 1995 COLD CASE KIDNAPPING AND STABBING OF MAN
*One co-defendant has been convicted and two others are awaiting trial in this case

SANTA ANA – A woman was convicted today for her role in the 1995 cold case kidnapping and stabbing-murder of a man, whom she met in a bar. Norma Patricia Esparza, 40, formerly of France, pleaded guilty to one felony count of voluntary manslaughter. She is expected to be sentenced to six years in state prison at a date to be determined. She will also testify in the jury trial against her co-defendants.

Esparza’s negotiated plea and sentence reflects her acknowledgment and acceptance of her role in the victim’s murder. Continue reading→