Posted on 01/12/2014 3:30:11 PM PST by nickcarraway
A West Los Angeles gangster who killed two people and tried to murder 12 others was warned by a judge to "stop smiling" during sentencing yesterday, but that didn't stop him from smirking and chuckling as one of the victim's mothers deplored his crimes in court.
See also: Jose Zapien, West L.A. Gangster, Convicted for Murdering 2 Santa Monica Youths.
The dark side of a longstanding rivalry between West L.A. and Santa Monica gangs played out in the sentencing of 25-year-old Jose Zapien, who headed west from his Sawtelle neighborhood to kill a 15-year-old high school football player and a young man in separate shootings nearly eight years ago.
Zapien was a teenager when he committed the Feb. 28, 2006 murder of 15-year-old Eddie Lopez and the Dec. 27, 2006 killing of 20-year-old Miguel Martin in Santa Monica.
See also: 3 West L.A. Gangsters Arrested in Santa Monica Murder Case.
Prosecutors alleged that Zapien's attacks, including the attempted murders of 12 others, were retaliation for the 2004 shooting death of a fellow Sotel gang member at the hands of a Santa Monica 13 gang rival.
The Los Angeles Times, which reported that Zapien emitted a "dismissive chuckle and smirk" during the address of Lopez's mother in court, published a menacing photo of the gangster in which his "Sotel" and "WLA" head tattoos were on display.
He was sentenced to life in prison without parole plus an additional 95 years.
Santa Monica police worked with LAPD gang detectives to crack the case and bring it to the District Attorney's Hardcore Gang Division.
Zapien's "strongest and most despicable trait," Deputy District Attorney Andrew Cooper said, is his "lack of reverence for human life.''
Because our legal system has a lack of reverence for our tax dollars.
They don’t have to work for it and they get it free without having to expend any effort.
“The dark side of a longstanding rivalry between West L.A. and Santa Monica gangs played out ...”
OK, can someone enlighten me as to what the “bright side” of this gang wars is?
I suppose the only relevant question is “Given the circumstances, which means of execution would be more appropriate: the noose, the gas chamber, or the electric chair?”
“The Los Angeles Times, which reported that Zapien emitted a “dismissive chuckle and smirk” during the address of Lopez’s mother in court, published a menacing photo of the gangster in which his “Sotel” and “WLA” head tattoos were on display.”
Hmm. Interesting.
In a completely unrelated note, I’d just thought I’d mention the Nevada desert is only about a six or seven hour drive from Los Angeles.
Lots of empty spaces in the Nevada desert, you know. Lots of places for a hole. Lots of places to put something really vile in that hole to make sure no one will ever have to deal with it ever again...
It could happen. Rival gang bangers in prison, are well aware of what goes on out in the streets.
I believe that’d work out well for society.
Santa Monica gangs? Man, they’re everywhere! Is Malibu infected yet?
hungry dogs
Along with 98 percent of the Democrat Party. What a coinky-dink.
It sure can.
It will happen. Rival gang bangers walk the same yards, and live in the same cell blocks. They have plenty of access to each other, but usually don't mess with each other, unless the shot callers give their ok.
That alone is reason enough to execute them. As long as they are alive, they are a clear and present danger to others and especially if they escape.
Poor lighter fluid on the bastard, strap him down and set him on fire.
Judge, let us know when you allow drive by court attendance...
This guy needs a reality check!
The fact that he climbed so high in the gang hierarchy points out the subtle leadership qualities this young man had and was denied from exhibiting in the workplace or even in the Democrat party.
Our sainted president has of course spake many times about such wasted lives and opportunities of others like Jose Zapien who were forced to come here and jump the border, live illegally and join a gang who of course became his 'real family'-just as the Democrat party has largely taken over the role of the 'real family' for other border jumpers and felons-
it this not a truly great country!
He'll be out in 10.
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