A gang member has been ordered to spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole for the shooting deaths of two men within less than two weeks in Pomona.
Israel Magana, 26, was convicted Dec. 28 of two counts of first-degree murder and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. Jurors also found true the special circumstance allegation of multiple murders, along with gang and gun allegations.
Magana walked up to Covan Brady and shot him on Oct. 23, 2013, at a doughnut shop, then was caught on surveillance tape continuing to fire at him as the 25-year-old victim tried to get away.
The video showed the gunman wearing distinctive basketball shorts that were later discovered in Magana’s home with gun residue on them, according to Deputy District Attorney Martin Bean.
Magana, who was sentenced on Wednesday, was also convicted in the slaying of Matthew Martin, who was shot to death while sitting in his car on Nov. 2, 2013.
Edward Osorio — who was charged along with Magana in Martin’s killing — shot the 40-year-old man after Magana walked up to the victim’s car and opened the door, Bean said. Magana’s DNA was found on the interior door handle of Martin’s car, the prosecutor said.
Osorio was convicted of first-degree murder, with jurors finding true gang and gun allegations. He is facing up to 50 years to life in prison, with sentencing set for Jan. 23 at the Pomona courthouse.
–City News Service