Man Convicted in Alleged Mexican Mafia Hit Wins New Trial
Augustine Velasquez, 29, will receive a new trial due to violations of his Miranda rights, an appellate court ruled.
Velasquez was convicted for the fatal shooting of Robert Rios, 35, in Placentia on January 19, 2017. The attack was allegedly ordered from prison by the reputed leader of the Orange County branch of the Mexican Mafia. On June 2, 2023, Velasquez was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Case Details and Legal Issues
- Velasquez was the only defendant convicted in Orange County Superior Court.
- Other defendants charged in connection with the case face federal court trials.
- The investigation expanded into a broad racketeering case targeting the Orange County Mexican Mafia chapter.
Evidence Booking Scandal and Its Impact
Before Velasquez’s trial, gang-related charges were dismissed due to an evidence booking scandal involving several deputies. These deputies either failed to log evidence properly or did so after their shifts, violating department policies.
"Orange County Superior Court Judge Patrick Donahue granted the motion to dismiss the gang charges because an Orange County sheriff’s deputy who testified as a gang expert was found to have been dishonest about his training on evidence booking."
Appeal Outcome
The appellate court’s decision to grant Velasquez a new trial centers on violations of his Miranda rights, which undermined the legality of his initial conviction.
Author’s summary: Augustine Velasquez’s conviction for a 2017 murder linked to the Mexican Mafia was overturned due to Miranda violations amid widespread evidence mishandling and legal challenges.