A 31-year-old man who was previously convicted of a gang-related murder nearly six years ago in Anaheim but had the case overturned on appeal was sentenced to 14 years in prison as part of a plea bargain, according to court records obtained Tuesday.
Ismael Avalos pleaded guilty June 27 to voluntary manslaughter and participating in gang activity, with a sentencing enhancement for the personal use of a gun. Avalos, who waived his credits behind bars before his plea, was given credit for 73 days in jail on Friday.
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.