Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release, Case # 12CF1289: February 27, 2014

DRUG SUPPLIER TO FACE TRIAL FOR SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES SHOOTING-MURDER AS REVENGE FOR STOLEN DRUGS

SANTA ANA – A drug supplier will face trial today for the special circumstances kidnapping and shooting-murder following a drug deal where his drugs were stolen. Jose Felix Zepeda, 41, Los Angeles, is charged with one felony count of special circumstances murder during the commission of a robbery, one felony count of kidnapping for ransom, reward, extortion, and to exact from another person money and other valuable things, and one felony count of conspiracy to commit a crime with a sentencing enhancement for possession of a substance to distribute exceeding one kilogram. If convicted, Zepeda faces a maximum sentence of life in state prison without the possibility of parole. Opening statements are scheduled to begin this morning, Feb. 27, 2014, at 9:30 a.m. in Department C-28, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.

On April 25, 2012, Zepeda is accused of supplying three pounds of methamphetamine to two men, who attempted to sell the drugs but instead were robbed in Montebello. Zepeda is accused of spotting John Doe acting as a lookout near the scene of the robbery. Zepeda, with the assistance of an unidentified accomplice, are accused of kidnapping John Doe and forcing John Doe to lead the defendants to the home of the men. Zepeda is accused of holding John Doe at gunpoint in the back of a vehicle while they went to Anaheim.

Upon arrival outside of the Anaheim apartment complex, Zepeda is accused of forcing John Doe to point out the men involved in the drug robbery. Zepeda’s fellow accomplices then shot and murdered Leder Sanchez in the street outside his home. Sanchez was shot two times, including one time in the neck.

Zepeda is accused of returning to Montebello and extorting John Doe and the two men whom he supplied the drugs. Zepeda is accused of setting up an arrangement to receive the drugs and extortion money to avoid further violence.

The Anaheim Police Department, who investigated this case, arrested Zepeda.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Jim Mendelson of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.

###

Tony Rackauckas, District Attorney
401 Civic Center Drive West
Santa Ana, CA 92701

Contacts:

Susan Kang Schroeder
Chief of Staff
Office: 714-347-8408
Cell: 714-292-2718

Farrah Emami
Spokesperson
Office: 714-347-8405
Cell: 714-323-4486