Three teens pleaded not guilty Monday to murder charges in a Pico Rivera home-invasion robbery in which one of the defendant’s father was killed.
The victim’s 17-year-old son, Sergio Anthony Gutierrez, the victim’s 17- year-old son, was charged as an adult along with 18-year-old Jesus Rafael Adame and Angel Emilio Estrello, 15, with one count each of murder and first- degree burglary and two counts of home-invasion robbery.
The murder charge includes the sentence-enhancing allegation of murder during the commission of a robbery.
Gutierrez and Estrello are ineligible for the death penalty because of their ages, but could face up to life in prison if convicted.
Prosecutors have yet to decide to seek the death penalty against Adame.
Sergio Gutierrez, 50, was attacked in his home early Sept. 20. The defendants are accused of stealing cash, credit cards and the family vehicle, according to prosecutors.
The trio is due back in court on Dec. 18, when a date is expected to be set for a hearing to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial.
— City News Service