Five gang members have been convicted for their roles in two fatal robberies at popular Southern California scenic lookout points in 2023, crimes that left three people dead and shocked local communities, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
The robberies occurred less than 48 hours apart and targeted victims who were visiting well-known overlooks in Los Angeles County, prosecutors said.
“These were vicious and callous acts,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a statement. “The victims in this case were simply enjoying some of the most scenic views that Los Angeles County has to offer.”
First
The first robbery took place around 3:30 a.m. on July 22, 2023, in the Angeles National Forest near Angeles Crest Highway.
Prosecutors said Marco Antonio Hernandez, 21, Luis Ventura, 27, and Abraham Alvarenga Cortez, 23, approached two people who were sitting inside a parked vehicle.
The victims were robbed at gunpoint. One of them, Jessie Enrique Munoz, 32, refused to hand over his car keys and attempted to reverse the vehicle, according to investigators. Cortez then allegedly opened fire, killing Munoz. The second victim was not injured.
Second
Less than two days later, around 2 a.m., a second robbery occurred outside the Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, prosecutors said.
Wendy Sarai Cerritos, 23, Rossel Jose Hernandez-Ponce, 24, and Marco Antonio Hernandez targeted another couple who were parked at the location.
Investigators said the suspects approached Jorge Ramos, 36, and Taylorraven Whittaker, 26, while armed with handguns. When the victims refused to surrender their valuables, Hernandez and Hernandez-Ponce allegedly shot and killed both of them.
Trial
A jury deliberated for just over one day before returning guilty verdicts against all five defendants. The convictions include multiple counts of murder, robbery, attempted robbery, and conspiracy.
Marco Antonio Hernandez was found guilty of three counts of first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree robbery, two counts of attempted second-degree robbery, and one count of conspiracy to commit robbery.
Ventura and Cortez were each convicted of one count of first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree robbery, and one count of conspiracy to commit robbery.
Hernandez-Ponce and Cerritos were convicted of two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted second-degree robbery, and one count of conspiracy to commit robbery.
Sentencing
Prosecutors said special circumstance allegations were found to be true in all applicable cases.
Ventura faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison. The remaining four defendants face life in prison without the possibility of parole.
All five are scheduled to be sentenced on June 18.
FAQs
How many people were killed in the robberies?
Three victims were killed in two separate robberies.
Where did the robberies take place?
At lookout points in Los Angeles County.
When did the crimes occur?
They happened in July 2023, less than 48 hours apart.
What charges were the defendants convicted of?
Murder, robbery, attempted robbery, and conspiracy.
When will sentencing take place?
All five defendants will be sentenced on June 18.
