Two men charged with murder of victim at a local bakery

Orange County District Attorney Press Release

For Immediate Release: August 29, 2014

Case# 10CF3188

TWO MEN TO FACE TRIAL FOR SHOOTING-MURDER OF VICTIM IN BAKERY WHILE VICTIM WAS PREPARING COFFEE

SANTA ANA – Two men are scheduled to face trial Tuesday for the shooting-murder of a victim in a Santa Ana bakery while the victim was preparing a cup of coffee. Israel Pena Lopez, 38, Santa Ana, is charged with one felony count each of murder, possession of a firearm by a felon, and sentencing enhancements for the personal discharge of a firearm causing death. If convicted, Lopez faces a maximum sentence of 75 years to life in state prison.

Co-defendant Frankie Esteban Giraldo, 32, Santa Ana, is charged with one felony count of murder. If convicted, Giraldo faces a maximum sentence of 50 years to life in state prison. Opening statements are expected to begin Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. in Department C-30, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana.

At approximately 7:40 p.m. on Oct. 13, 2010, Lopez and Giraldo are accused of driving their vehicles separately to Panaderia La Chapina bakery on Edinger Avenue in Santa Ana. Lopez is accused of parking in a marked stall in front of the bakery and Giraldo is accused of driving through the parking lot before parking on a side street. The defendants are accused of getting out of their vehicles and meeting outside the bakery.

Lopez is accused of walking around to the front of the business while Giraldo is accused of waiting at the west entrance. Both defendants are accused of entering the bakery simultaneously. Lopez is accused of shooting 32-year-old Alejandro Sanchez several times in the back, murdering him. Sanchez had his back turned while preparing his coffee at a counter at the time of the murder.

Both defendants are accused of leaving the restaurant after the shooting. Lopez is accused of returning a few moments later. He is accused of again attempting to shoot the victim, who was lying on the floor, but Lopez’s firearm failed to discharge. Lopez is accused of fleeing the scene. Witnesses called 911 and the Santa Ana Police Department investigated this case.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Cynthia Herrera of the Homicide Unit is prosecuting this case.

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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
Director of Public Affairs
Office: 714-347-8405
Cell: 714-323-4486