A man described by authorities as a founding member of a Montebello-based gang’s “killer squad” has been convicted of two counts of first-degree murder in the execution-style killings of rival gang members.
Jimmy Valenzuela, 31, was found guilty of killing 22-year-old Joe Anthony Alvarado, who was shot to death in his car on Dec. 22, 2007, and Jimmy Jimenez, 29, who was fatally shot on July 24, 2010. Both were gunned down in Montebello.
Valenzuela is set to be sentenced on Jan. 11. Prosecutors earlier decided not to pursue the death penalty.
Valenzuela was arrested in 2012 as a result of a joint investigation by the Montebello Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and District Attorney’s Office.
At least 37 other gang members were charged as part of the effort, which sought to close dozens of unsolved gang homicides.
Authorities said Valenzuela, who was convicted Monday, was a key member of the gang’s “killer squad,” responsible for enforcing the gang’s territory and eliminating its enemies.
–City News Service