Two alleged Salinas gang members accused of gunning down a
Hollister teen on a basketball court in Watsonville’s Apple Hill
neighborhood last spring appeared in court Thursday. The allegded
gunman pleaded innocent to murder and other charges that could send
him to prison for life. The slaying claimed the life of Angel
Escobedo, 19.
By Jennifer Squires
Two alleged Salinas gang members accused of gunning down a Hollister teen on a basketball court in Watsonville’s Apple Hill neighborhood last spring appeared in court Thursday. The allegded gunman pleaded innocent to murder and other charges that could send him to prison for life.
The slaying claimed the life of Angel Escobedo, 19.
Thursday, the alleged gunman, 24-year-old Julian Escobar, entered his plea while the Public Defenders Office was appointed to represent his alleged accomplice, Jose Sandoval, 26.
Both men are scheduled to be back in court Tuesday to set a date for a preliminary hearing, at which time a judge will decide if there is enough evidence to hold the men for trial.
Also in court Thursday, Judge Heather Morse forbid the publication of any photos of either defendant, including jail mug shots earlier released by the Watsonville Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office. The rare decision came at the request of Escobar’s private attorney, Tom Worthington of Salinas, who expressed concern that identity would be an issue in the case.
Assistant District Attorney Rob Wade agreed that the defense may try to make an issue of the identity of the killer but said he believes he has a strong case.
Escobar and Sandoval were fingered as suspects in the fatal shooting just weeks ago. Watsonville police detectives have said a tip led them to Escobar and that their suspicions were confirmed through photo lineups with witnesses. Escobar was arrested last month.
Sandoval, who police said also was identified through similar means, was taken into custody a week ago.
According to police, Escobar and Sandoval are members of the same Salinas gang. They drove from San Jose to Watsonville to exact revenge for a prior incident, which police have declined to discuss.
The pair allegedly approached Escobedo and four of his friends on a basketball court off Green Valley Road on March 21, asked the basketball players if they were gangsters, then Escobar opened fire with a .38-caliber revolver.
Police have said the alleged gang members were not seeking out Escobedo in particular. The teen, a Cuesta College student, was not involved in gangs, according to police. The other men escaped injury.
Both Escobar and Sandoval are being held in County Jail on $1 million bail.
