Reputed Gang Member To Stand Trial For 2006 Murder

A reputed gang member accused of abducting and shooting a man in Desert Hot Springs he thought had raped his girlfriend must stand trial on murder and kidnapping charges, a judge ruled today.

Concepcion Rodriguez, 34, is charged in the slaying of 27-year-old Anastacio Torres, whose body was found near Verbena and San Lorenzo drives in Desert Hot Springs in May 2006.

Rodriguez could face life in prison without parole if convicted.

After hearing four witnesses over four hours, Riverside County Superior Court Judge Sylvia Husing ruled there was enough evidence to proceed to trial.

Rodriguez is accused of abducting Torres and interrogating him before killing him, because Rodriguez believed the man raped his girlfriend.

Torres was seen leaving with Rodriguez and another man from an apartment complex in the 66000 block of Second Street in Desert Hot Springs on May 13, 2006, according to police Sgt. Radames Gil.

Torres was found dead the next morning atop two blankets, his hands tied in front of him with plastic zip ties.

Rodriguez allegedly brought his girlfriend to the apartment to confront Torres, but he denied raping her. Rodriguez didn’t believe him and shot him, according to Gil.

Torres had two bullet wounds in his upper body — one to the chest and another to the back — along with abrasions on his right shoulder and right forearm and bruising on his knees, according to Gil.

The judge ordered Rodriguez to return to court on May 17 for a post- indictment arraignment.