Gangbanger with past felony convictions pleads guilty to causing a police pursuit in Santa Ana

Manuel Burciaga, a 42-year-old man sentenced last month to 31 years to life in prison for a gang-related fatal shooting in Santa Ana two decades ago pleaded guilty this Tuesday to triggering the police chase that led him to face justice for the 1993 murder, according to the O.C. Register.

Burciaga admitted to numerous felony charges including evading police, possession of a firearm by a felon, participating in gang activity and possession of a gun in a school zone. His sentence will also be enhanced as he also admitted to allegations of gang activities. he is  set to be sentenced on Aug. 18.

Burciaga was previously sentenced to 31 years to life in prison for the murder, on Jan. 29. He was also convicted in November of killing a rival gangbanger, Artemio Rios Jr., on Oct. 22, 1993, in front of Saddleback High School.

Back when Burciaga was arrested in September of 2010, following the police pursuit, SAPD investigators recognized him as a suspect in the Rios killing, according to the SAPD.

Burciaga’s co-defendant, Francisco Meza, was arrested in 1993 and he eventually pleaded guilty to manslaughter.