A 31-year-old man who was convicted of a gang-related murder nearly six years ago but had the case overturned on appeal pleaded guilty Friday to the fatal shooting in Anaheim.
Ismael Avalos pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and participating in gang activity, with a sentencing enhancement for the personal use of a gun. Avalos, who is scheduled to be sentenced July 25, is expected to be sentenced to 14 years in prison, according to court records.
Avalos pleaded guilty to killing 18-year-old Angel Rivera on May 25, 2012.
Avalos was convicted Oct. 30, 2019, of second-degree murder and participating in gang activity with a sentencing enhancement for discharging a gun causing death and was later sentenced to 40 years to life in prison. But the conviction was overturned on appeal Nov. 4, 2022, because Avalos invoked his right to an attorney and police violated his rights by continuing to question him, an appellate court found.
Co-defendant George Galvan was acquitted in the trial with Avalos.
Avalos was out drinking with friends the night of the killing, according to the appellate court ruling. It was about 10:30 p.m. when he drove up to a liquor store and encountered Rivera, who was shot in the head.