Murder verdict reached in 2008 Visalia shooting

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November 17, 2009 3:53 PM

THE PORTERVILLE RECORDER

VISALIA—Two Tulare County men were convicted today of first degree murder in the 2008 fatal shooting of 19-year-old Visalia resident Vincent Chapa.

Angel Carrasco, 18, of Visalia, and Rene Zamora, 21, of Hanford, were convicted of one count of first degree murder with the special circumstances of lying in wait, drive-by and gang murder, and a second count of shooting from a motor vehicle, both with special allegations for gang and use of a firearm.

Carrasco shot Chapa March 12 in Visalia while riding in a van driven by Zamora. The incident occurred while the two men hunted for rival gang members in what they considered rival gang territory.

Chapa was walking with his friend when the two men began chasing them in their van. He hid in a field, and began running toward home when he thought he was safe.

Before Chapa reached his house, Carrasco and Zamora drove up along side him and fired several shots. The victim was hit twice and died instantly.

The two men sped away heading towards Hanford, but authorities stopped them and arrested them.

Sentencing is set for December 17, 2009. Both defendants are facing life in prison without the possibility of parole.
-The Recorder

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