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March 14, 2024: District Attorney Gascón Announces Exoneration of Man Wrongfully Convicted of a South L.A. Murder in 2005

 

District Attorney Gascón Announces Exoneration of Man Wrongfully Convicted of a South L.A. Murder in 2005

LOS ANGELES, CA — Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced today the exoneration and release of Stephen Patterson, who spent nearly two decades in prison for a South L.A. murder in 2005 he did not commit.

“In this era of progress, it’s crucial to acknowledge the imperfections of our past and actively work to correct those wrongs,” District Attorney Gascón said. “It’s our responsibility that no family is torn apart by a miscarriage of justice, and no community is left with the actual perpetrator roaming their streets. Our office’s Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU) is dedicated to meticulously reviewing cases and collaborating to uncover the truth and increase public safety.”

 Michael Semanchik, executive director of The Innocence Center, said he was thrilled that Patterson has been exonerated.

“Stephen has always maintained his innocence. Unfortunately, his wrongful conviction was the product of a single bad eyewitness identification and shoddy police work,” Semanchik said. “We are lucky to have a great working relationship with the CIU. Not only did it allow us to free an innocent person, but together, we identified the true perpetrators.”

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March 14, 2024: George Gascón Launches First Interfaith Advisory Board in LA County District Attorney History

 

Interfaith Advisory Board Inauguration

LOS ANGELES, CA — Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced today the creation of the office’s first-ever Interfaith Advisory Board. The Interfaith Advisory Board is the sixth advisory board Gascón formed since he took office in December 2020. The advisory boards provide a space for open dialogue with an eye towards creating a more inclusive, safer, and trusting relationship with communities countywide.

“Faith-based organizations have long been at the forefront of social justice movements, advocating for the rights of marginalized and underserved populations,” District Attorney Gascón said. “Our County is a rich tapestry of cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds, and it’s imperative that our criminal justice system reflects and respects this diversity.

“Our first-ever Interfaith Advisory Board comes at a time when religious racism, discrimination, and hate crimes are still prevalent throughout our communities and the nation. Our new board will advise my office on policies and practices that promote fairness, inclusivity, and cultural competency.”

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March 5, 2024: District Attorney Gascón Announces Charges Against Man Who Killed Three Women in a DUI Crash in Pomona

 

Pomona DUI Crash News Conference

POMONA, CA – Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón today announced charges against Victor Siharath after he allegedly ran a red light while driving intoxicated and hit a vehicle, killing three women and injuring two others, including a child, on Saturday, March 2, in Pomona.

“There are no words to express the heartbreak that Mr. Siharath’s actions have caused these victims’ families and community,” District Attorney Gascón said. “Our hearts go out to the grieving families and the survivors as they attempt to cope with this unimaginable tragedy. Those who choose to jeopardize themselves and others by driving under the influence will face swift legal consequences. There is nothing that can bring back the countless lives lost to speeding and drunk driving, but our office will continue to hold those responsible.”

“I am pleased that the District Attorney’s Office is aggressively pursuing charges on this matter,”  Pomona Mayor Tim Sandoval said. “Driving under the influence is 100% preventable.  Individuals who ignore the law need to understand that there are repercussions for their senseless actions, that often result in tragedy, pain and loss to the victims’ families and our community.”   

“The actions and choices of a DUI driver on March 2nd took the lives of three innocent people and severely injured two others,” Pomona Police Chief Michael Ellis said.  “The Pomona Police Department mourns with our community and the families of the victims. Pomona PD is conducting the criminal investigation for this incident, and murder charges are being filed. We are committed to enforcing DUI laws in Pomona and will work with the District Attorney’s Office to ensure justice in this case.” 

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February 28, 2024: District Attorney Gascón Announces Exonerations of Two Men Wrongfully Convicted of Murder in Los Angeles

 

Exoneration News Conference

LOS ANGELES -- Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced today the exonerations and release of Jofama Coleman and Abel Soto, each of whom spent two decades in prison for a murder they did not commit in May 2003.

“Jofama Coleman and Abel Soto were wrongfully convicted and imprisoned for a murder they did not commit,” District Attorney Gascón said. “Our hearts also go out to Jose Robles’ family, who have suffered immeasurably through this tragedy and injustice. To everyone impacted, we offer not just words of regret, but a solemn promise of our unwavering pursuit of truth and justice. This ordeal underscores my office’s relentless dedication, through our Conviction Integrity and Habeas units, to righting the wrongs of the past. Together, we forge ahead in our quest for justice, acknowledging the pain endured but steadfast in our resolve.”

Ellen Eggers, an attorney for Mr. Coleman and Mr. Soto, said, “Jofama Coleman and Abel Soto are my heroes, never faltering in their quest for justice. Jofama transformed his cell into a classroom to master the law itself. Their indomitable spirit, coupled with Jessica Jacobs’ essential support, unraveled the truth that set them free. I’m grateful to Head Deputy Juan Mejia, Supervising DA Amy Wilton, and the extraordinary DDA Lara Bazan, whose diligent and insightful efforts paved the way for swift justice. Finally, I am deeply grateful to District Attorney George Gascón for righting this profound wrong. Today is a testament to the power of unwavering resolve and the relentless pursuit of justice.”

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February 15, 2024: District Attorney George Gascón Announces Charges in Murderous Crime Spree That Killed Four in Southeast Los Angeles

 

District Attorney George Gascón Announces Charges in Murderous Crime Spree That Killed Four in Southeast Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, CA – Today, Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced that Gary Garcia Jr. and Timberland McKneely have been charged with murdering four people, three men and a child, and attempting to murder two others, including a child, between February 11 and 12 in the cities of Bell, Cudahy, Huntington Park, and unincorporated Los Angeles.

“In the face of this devastating crime spree that claimed the lives of four innocent people, including a child, my heart aches for the victims and their grieving families,” District Attorney Gascón said. “Multiple communities have been terrorized by these men’s callous, cruel, and cold-hearted actions. This senseless violence will not go unanswered by the scales of justice. Our Major Crimes Division is working tirelessly to hold these two men accountable and to bring justice to the victims and their families.”

“I applaud the District Attorney for taking swift and decisive action in filing murder charges against these two gang members responsible for the heinous murders of four innocent people including a teenager,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn, Fourth District. “Families across Southeast Los Angeles are grieving, and communities are still shaken by the terror created by this senseless rampage. Nothing we can do will make these families whole again, but these men must be held accountable for the pain they caused and the lives they stole.”

“Homicide detectives and multiple Department resources worked around the clock to identify and arrest the suspects who were threatening the safety of our communities and involved in these senseless murders,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Captain Andy Meyer. “We hope that bringing these individuals to justice will provide some comfort to the families who have lost loved ones and it also sends a clear message that if you commit a crime regardless of law-enforcement jurisdiction, you will be caught and held accountable.”

“These senseless acts of violence are unfortunate and send shockwaves throughout our communities,” said Huntington Park Police Chief Cosme Lozano. “We will continue to work in partnership with the Sheriff’s Department and District Attorney’s Office to prosecute those responsible, bring justice to the families who have suffered tremendous loss, and to restore peace and confidence in our community. The victims and families affected by this terrible tragedy deserve our relentless support, so that we can ensure that the power of the justice system will ensure these criminals spend the rest of their life in prison”.

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