Two Found Guilty Of Provoking 2008 Murder

INDIO – A 20-year-old man and a teenager were convicted of murder and other charges today in the death of a fellow gang member, who was shot by California Highway Patrol officers during a gunfight in the midst of a pursuit.

The 10-woman, two-man jury deliberated for about a day and a half before convicting Anthony Paez of first-degree murder and Edgar Flores, 17, of second-degree murder in the May 30, 2008, death of Alexis Melendrez-Acosta.

Paez was also found guilty of attempted murder, assault with a deadly firearm and shooting at an occupied vehicle, but his co-defendant was acquitted of those counts.

Paez, who was acquitted of one count of taking or driving a vehicle unlawfully, will be sentenced April 9. Sentencing for Flores was scheduled for April 12.

Both face life sentences.

They were charged with murder because their companion’s death occurred during the commission of another crime — shooting at law enforcement officers, according to the prosecution.

“The community spoke and justice was achieved,” Deputy District Attorney Anthony Orlando said outside the courtroom. “(Jurors), along with the number of witnesses who testified, should be commended for bringing order to what was chaos on those two days in May of 2008 and for ultimately bringing these two gang-bangers to justice.”

District Attorney Rod Pacheco said Desert Hot Springs is safer because of the conviction.

“These defendants were a direct threat to Desert Hot Springs,” he said. “This conviction is a vital step forward in the fight to win back Desert Hot Springs.”

Defense attorneys chose not to comment, but Paez’s mother maintained her son’s innocence.

“I don’t think he’s guilty,” said Christina Paez, adding that she also does not believe the shooting was gang-related.

“My son is not a bad son. That’s why I’m here. That’s why my family is here. He’s not a bad son. He’s not. Give him a chance and Edgar too,” she said.

Flores was behind the wheel of a stolen Honda carrying Paez and Melendrez-Acosta, as they fled from CHP officers.

Paez leaned out the right rear passenger window and fired two shots at the pursuing officers. They returned fire, striking Melendrez-Acosta in the head. Paez was hit five times.

Paez’s attorney, Mark Sullivan, argued during the nearly month-long trial that Melendrez-Acosta, who was the front-seat passenger, was likely the shooter.

Flores did not deny driving the Honda, but denied he held or fired a gun, according to his attorney.

Paez was also found guilty of firing at CHP officers a week before Melendrez-Acosta’s death.