Junior Gil, a 27-year-old gangbanger, was convicted Thursday of a series of robberies and killing of 31-year-old Jesse Ruben Gomez, in front of a taco truck in Santa Ana.
Gil shot Gomez on Dec. 9, 2018, in the evening, near South Kilson Drive and East St. Andrews Place, according to the prosecutors.
A witness told the responding SAPD police officers about a robbery that took place nearby along a bike trail. There were also other witnesses and victims of robberies along the trail who gave the police descriptions of the suspects.
When the police officers arrived, Gomez’s uncle was trying to revive his nephew at the scene. The uncle said he was outside his home when his nephew went to get tacos from a food truck. The uncle then heard gunshots, and he found his nephew when he drove to the location.
In addition to being convicted of first-degree murder, Gil was also convicted of a count of robbery and two counts of attempted robbery. The jurors also affirmed sentencing enhancements for the personal use of a firearm and gang activity.
Gil will be sentenced on Jan. 7.
Santa Ana Mayor Vince Sarmiento and City Councilman Johnathan Ryan Hernandez have not yet confirmed if they think that Gil was just having mental health issues when he killed Gomez.