Gang Member Sentenced To 143 Years To Life In Prison

A 20-year-old man convicted in the death of a fellow gang member, who was shot by California Highway Patrol officers during a pursuit in Desert Hot Springs, was sentenced today to 143 years to life in state prison.

Anthony Paez was found guilty in early February of first-degree murder in the May 30, 2008, death of Alexis Melendrez-Acosta.

Although Paez did not personally kill Melendrez-Acosta, state law allows defendants to be held responsible for the death of an accomplice at the hands of a third party under the “provocative act” doctrine.

Paez also was found guilty of attempted murder, assault with a deadly firearm and shooting at an occupied vehicle, as well as firing at CHP officers a week before Melendrez-Acosta’s death.

Paez’s co-defendant, 17-year-old Edgar Flores, was convicted of second- degree murder, but acquitted of all other counts. He faces about 17 years in prison when he is sentenced June 23.

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.

Defense attorney Mark Sullivan argued during 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.