Two brothers were found guilty Friday of the gang-related murder of an 18-year-old man who was stabbed while playing handball at Cleveland High School in Reseda last year.
Anthony Carpio, 18, of Panorama City, and Michael Steven Carpio, 20, of Pacoima were both found guilty of one count of second-degree murder in the April 24, 2013, killing of Kevin Orellano.
The jury also found true gang allegations for both defendants, and a knife-use allegation was additionally found true for the younger brother, who carried out the stabbing.
The Carpio brothers face a maximum of 15 years to life in state prison when sentenced on Dec. 9.
A third co-defendant, Michelle Pineda, 20, pleaded no contest on Oct. 20 to one felony count of accessory after the fact with knowledge of crime. She is expected to be sentenced on Nov. 4 to two years in state prison to be served in local custody.
The brothers — members of the Rockwood street gang — approached the victim, who was not a gang member, as he played handball at Cleveland High. They issued a gang challenge before the fatal attack, according to court testimony.
Witnesses said that a fight ensued and Anthony Carpio stabbed Orellana, then both defendants made their getaway in a vehicle driven by Pineda.
The two brothers and Pineda were arrested a day after the stabbing.
— City News Service